Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy San Angelo, Texas
Prepared For: City of San Angelo | November 5, 2013
PARCPeter A. Ravella Consulting, LLC
Acknowledgments
San Angelo City Council Mayor Alvin New (frmr.) Paul Alexander, District 1 (frmr.) Dwain Morrison, District 2 (frmr.) Johnny Silvas, District 3 Fred Adams, District 4 (frmr.) Kendall Hirschfeld, District 5 (frmr.) Charlotte Farmer, District 6
Mayor Dwain Morrison Rodney Fleming, District 1 Marty Self, District 2 Johnny Silvas, District 3 Don Vardeman, District 4 H.R. Winkie Wardlaw, District 5 Charlotte Farmer, District 6
San Angelo City Staff Daniel Valenzuela - City Manager Rick Weise - Assistant City Manager Michael Dane - Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer AJ Fawver - Interim Director, Development Services Robert Scheeman - Interim Director, Economic Development Shane Kelton - Operations Director Carl White - Director, Parks and Recreation Mike Smith - GIS Manager Al Torres - Building Official Ricky Dickson - Water Utilities Director
Lake Nasworthy Institutional Stakeholders San Angelo Regional Airport San Angelo State University - Greg Pecina Executive Director for Business Services Goodfellow Air Force Base
Stakeholder Groups Spring Creek Marina The Lake Nasworthy HOA Texas Parks and Wildlife Upper Colorado River Authority Concho Cruises Lakeshore Village Concho Valley Archery Association
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 iii
Table of Contents
I. Executive Summary...... 1
II. Public Participation...... 3 A. Input and Outreach Process...... 3 B. Stakeholders Involved...... 3 C. Summary of Stakeholder Input...... 3
III. Assessment of Conditions...... 7 A. Map of Study Area and Description...... 7 B. Natural Structures...... 7 C. Major Existing Uses/Users...... 7 D. Relation to Prior Studies...... 8 E. Resource Management and Environmental Issues...... 9
IV. Market Analysis...... 11 A. Market Area Demographics...... 11 B. Demand Potential by Sports Participation...... 21 C. Demand Potential by Propensity...... 25 D. Tourism...... 26
V. Master Plan...... 37 A. Lake Nasworthy Area Master Plan...... 37 B. Market Potential by Character Zone...... 39 C. Integrated Parks/Trails and Connectivity...... 46
VI. Implementation Report...... 53 A. Potential Partnership Structures...... 53 B. Funding/Financing Strategy...... 53 C. Catalytic Projects...... 53 D. Regulatory Environmental Issues...... 62 E. Roadways and Utilities...... 64 F. Trails Funding...... 64
Appendix Market Study Appendix...... 67
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 v
Executive Summary
ake Nasworthy, a unique recreation destination for In the initial process of studying the lake and as the team visitors and locals alike, is currently widely used yet also engaged the public, these general clusters of activity Lholds potential for further enhancement and investment. emerged as describing the most prevalent activities around It is not only a regional recreational lake; it also touches a the lake. With that information, the consultant team studied several residential neighborhoods. The complexity of Lake the lake based on these five distinct character zones. These Nasworthy’s history and the surrounding ownership include areas provide structure and logic to the Master Plan. various public holdings, ground leases, and private owners, The location of the character zones and their current and which necessitate that the Lake be linked through a common anticipated activity are explained in detail in this plan. vision and strategy. Each character zone includes a unique focus, but together This Master Plan is a comprehensive summary of the work they create the vibrancy that makes Lake Nasworthy an done on behalf of the City of San Angelo to identify issues admired local amenity and regional draw. The popularity of and opportunities for a Lake Nasworthy redevelopment Gun Club Hill Road as a walking and jogging destination is strategy. This initiative was driven by input from a good metaphor for the latent demand for more structured stakeholders to create a market-based plan to promote facilities for activity around the lake. There is more demand context sensitive development and preservation of the lake for a safe walking and jogging destination near the lake than and its surrounding areas. the street can safely accommodate. Proposed expansion The vision and strategy reflected in this plan reflects of activity around the lake is supported by market trends, the intersection of a market study to understand the true increased activity due to the oil and gas industry employees potential of the lake with its surrounding context, as well seeking recreational opportunities, and increased regional and national tourism resulting from marketing by the San as the insight of scores of stakeholders representing public Angelo Convention and Visitors Bureau. institutions, neighborhoods, business owners, recreation advocates, city leaders, and other key opinion leaders. The City Council and San Angelo Planning staff seek an What emerged early in the process is that Lake Nasworthy outcomes-focused strategy. The desired outcome of this represents an amazing quilt of unique physical areas and initiative is to encourage activity and development to ensure multiple organized activities, many of which have already the long term viability of Lake Nasworthy as a recreation claimed regional and national recognition. This fact is destination in west Texas. This outcome can be achieved important as this plan reflects a means to continue the by identifying existing tourism and recreation activities momentum of the lake rather than an effort to impose a and enhancing those offerings, thereby creating economic contrived concept that ignores the authentic character of development opportunities. This report encourages a the lake and its community. comprehensive policy and approach that includes potential “catalytic projects” -- or appropriate development in This Master Plan provides a substantial amount of key locations -- that will provide a necessary influx of technical analysis. That analysis is provided, however, to economic activity. At the same time, the approach calls for establish the capacity for implementing its findings and development that fits the context of what already exists at recommendations. We express those recommendations the lake in order to create sustained investment momentum. within a series of character zones that emerged during the planning process from existing and likely geographically- Lake Nasworthy has great potential to fulfill the vision of based activities. Those character zones include: the city and community as an economic and recreational centerpiece for San Angelo and the surrounding area. The • Action Sports master plan provides the road map to reach that objective; • Harbor Village however, several lake management issues beyond the • Nature/Education scope of the master plan must also be addressed. First, • Special Opportunity the city currently relies on the Lake Nasworthy Home • Natural Encounter Owners Association to administer and enforce certain lake
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 1 rules and development standards along the lakeside. This administrative approach should be reexamined and revised to centralize decision-making within the city while continuing open dialogue and input from the HOA. Second, during the public input process, community leaders and stakeholders emphasized the need to investigate and develop technical action plans regarding several critical issues affecting the lake’s condition. These issues include lake water supply and the long-term stabilization of lake levels, storm water runoff that adversely impacts lake clarity and sedimentation rates, shoreline erosion and stabilization, vegetation management in and around the lake, and the need for recurring dredging to maintain lake water depths.
As the city moves forward with the master plan, the City should simultaneously retain appropriate engineering firm(s) with expertise in dredging, shoreline management, storm water control, and water supply/management to address theses specific issues. The city should work to develop and implement specific near- and long-term action plans to improve the condition of the lake itself as the master plan is put into action.
Fundamentally, the resulting master plan and implementing recommendations are supported by extensive public outreach and a market study that reinforces the amazing quilt that makes up the lake today and its potential tomorrow ■■■ Public Participation
Recreational Activity Popularity or Preference
Input and Outreach Process consultant team used a coding system to translate the notes To reconcile the many uses and diverse interests that and feedback into data to create measurable results. surround Lake Nasworthy, the consultant team carried out an extensive community outreach and input program. Lake Stakeholders Involved Nasworthy poses itself as a unique opportunity area, not only A variety of stakeholders surrounding the lake represent as a water source in West Texas, but also for its percentage numerous interests and users from San Angelo and of city-owned land. The Lake Nasworthy Trust Fund, created beyond. The discussions focused on current and future by the city, cannot be utilized without citizen approval. The demand, ecological concerns and economic development restriction of citizen approval has made community feedback opportunities. This input provides the basis for the proposed an integral piece of this project. In order to fully understand amendments to the San Angelo Comprehensive plan and an the residents’ perspective regarding Lake Nasworthy, implementation strategy to achieve this master plan. stakeholder interviews were conducted to assist in framing the master plan’s focus. Summary of Stakeholder Input Over the course of public outreach, it was surprising to learn The consultant team learned from stakeholders how important about the vast amount of activities that take place in and Lake Nasworthy is not only to those who live on the lake, but around the lake (see Figure 1). Activities were broken down also to the larger community. City staff assisted the consultant into non-motorized upland activities and motorized and non- team in compiling a list of stakeholders that consisted of a motorized water sports. Information shown in Figure 1 is diverse group of recreational users, homeowners, politicians, based on stakeholder input from participants in each of the and business owners. Over 40 stakeholders were contacted activities listed, or from those who mentioned the popularity and interviewed through a series of small group meetings. After surrounding the activity. the initial round of interviews, the consultant team worked with city staff to follow up with outreach to all lake residents via Once the initial input was obtained from stakeholders, the post card mailing. During the subsequent small group meetings, team identified areas of the lake deserving attention. This 20 additional stakeholders were engaged for feedback. The process generated the five character zones mentioned above.
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 3 Public Input: Lake Challenges and Assets
Public Input: Lake Development and Improvements
Public Input: Lake Access and Mobility
4 Public Participation
Figure 5: Stakeholder Meeting Map Notes
Ultimately, the selected catalytic projects reflected in this restroom improvements. Stakeholders mentioned that most master plan emerged from the insight gathered from the of the public facilities surrounding Lake Nasworthy needed stakeholders. Throughout the process of gathering feedback, updates and improvement. a variety of ideas were noted. Figures 2 to 5 display the ranges in feedback and the diversity in information collected. The stakeholder meetings yielded the need for greater access to current lake areas being used. Figure 4 was created to give more Figure 2 demonstrates the challenges and assets surrounding depth to this topic. The figure depicts a spectrum of low-impact Lake Nasworthy. The density of tick marks indicates comments and high-impact means of mobility. For example, stakeholders about that particular issue. Uncertainty of water levels was discussed creating better access around the lake by way of a mentioned by almost everyone. The end of the spectrum comprehensive trail system. Gun Club Hill is the second area represents the amount of activity on the lake as an asset. of highest concern for the citizens; this area has become quite popular as a walking loop trail. The popularity surrounding the Figure 3 was created based on stakeholder input on potential use of this area is an issue that was heavily considered when development and lake improvements. These developments creating potential design concepts. An integrated trail network and improvements are demonstrated on a scale between was also an issue frequently mentioned and one that resulted public and private. The topic mentioned the most was in design considerations in the proposed master plan.
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 5 Figure 5b: Lease Status Map
6 Assessment of Conditions
Image 6: Lake Nasworthy Study Area Map
n order to create a realistic and realizable master plan, South and Middle Concho Rivers to provide drinking water for the consultant team delved into the myriad details and the City of San Angelo and surrounding areas. The Lake is full Idata that make up the complexity of the lake and its at 1,879 feet above sea level and is 29 feet deep at its deepest surroundings. point, with a surface area of 1,380 acres. In most conditions, Lake Nasworthy is near constant level because of overflow Map of Study Area and Description from Twin Buttes Reservoir. Due to persistent drought, The Lake Nasworthy study area (see Figure 6) is located however, that flow is becoming increasingly unreliable. in the far southwestern quadrant of San Angelo near the San Angelo Regional Airport, Goodfellow Air Force Base, The study area offers a wide variety of West Texas landscapes. Twin Buttes Reservoir, and Bentwood Country Club. The The unique feature of a large body of water in an arid Lake is bisected by Knickerbocker Road, and State Highway climate provides for an interesting physical environment that 306 is approximately one mile to the Northeast. From the contributes to the natural beauty and its draw as a recreation lake’s downstream edge, the Concho River flows southeast magnet. The lake is unique in the history and makeup of the through downtown San Angelo. land ownership surrounding the Lake. It is accessed from several public boat ramps and public parks. Natural Structures Lake Nasworthy was created in 1930 when Nasworthy Dam Major Existing Uses/Users was constructed to store the waters of the Spring Creek and Lake Nasworthy is surrounded by an eclectic mix of public
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 7 Figure 7: Map Depicting Major Users Around Lake
facilities, large institutional users representing special Relation to Prior Studies populations (such as the military and their families and college staff and students), as well as single family homes. Comprehensive Plan See Figure 7 for a map of existing users. The City of San The latest update to the San Angelo Comprehensive Plan, Angelo facilities, the Bureau of Land Management, Twin adopted in 2009, provides a vision for the city through a series Buttes Reservoir, the Air Force, San Angelo Regional Airport, of sub-districts that are targeted for redevelopment. Each Goodfellow Air Force Base, and Angelo State University are one of these sub-districts focuses on an area with a unique all large users on or near the lake. The large users create an development context. Together the sub-districts help achieve interesting combination of and represent an opportunity for the City mission to maintain the “small-town character and synergy rather than single ad hoc interests. community spirit and take advantage of ample social, cultural and recreational opportunities.”A parallel deliverable of this The public and institutional land owners are sizable report on Lake Nasworthy is creation of a sub-district as an stakeholders as are the numerous land owners and update to the 2009 comprehensive plan. The updated Lake leaseholders of single family homes. When the lake was Nasworthy sub-district chapter will act as a tool to implement the vision and concepts described later in this master plan. created, much of the surrounding land was retained by the Bureau of Land Management and later turned over to the city. Parks, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan The city then subdivided the land into parcels which were The San Angelo Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master leased to homeowners. Later, when the lease terms came up Plan, adopted in 2012, is a valuable companion to this report for renewal, the decision was made to sell the lots rather than in its attention to the condition and recommendation of public continue to lease them. The money raised from the sale of the spaces surrounding Lake Nasworthy. land is put into a trust specifically dedicated for use on lake improvements and management. The history of this land lease/ The goal of the parks master plan was to assess park and sale arrangement has resulted in the unique ownership pattern recreation facilities throughout the city and to establish and management situation that is currently in place. Over time, planning guidelines for parks over the next decade. That most of the land has become owner-occupied. plan contains a through inventory of parks and recreation
8 Assessment of Conditions
facilities and details on their programming, marking, included in the implementation section of this report. reservation systems and fees. It also includes valuable data on the recreation habits of the San Angelo population. The Shoreline Erosion and Storm Water Management parks master plan recommends creating multi-modal linkages As the city considers potential improvements along Lake between and through parks, a theme found in this report Nasworthy, it is necessary to carefully consider and account as well as the San Angelo Comprehensive Plan. This can for the potential for increased shoreline erosion and storm be accomplished through linear parks, trails, and paths, as water runoff. Erosion is a critical concern because not only explained later in this document. does it cause land loss to upland owners – a significant issue in itself – but it also adds to the sediment load in the lake, The master plan includes a particular focus on the Lake decreasing water depths and increasing water turbidity. Nasworthy parks – as they are tremendous assets to residents and visitors. The main Lake Nasworthy Parks are Knickerbocker Park, Mary E. Lee Park, Middle Concho Park, Spring Creek Shoreline erosion is a natural process that can be exacerbated Park, and South Concho Park. The Parks Master Plan contains by human activities. Along Lake Nasworthy, shoreline details on current issues in the parks and some suggested erosion is likely attributable to wind-driven and boat improvements. The Parks Master also includes existing and wake waves impacting unprotected or exposed shoreline potential trail connections. Those trails were integrated into the sediments, storm water runoff, and periodic fluctuations trail plan which is delineated later in this master plan. of lake levels that inundate near shore areas and remove shoreline sediments as lake levels drop. Clearing natural Resource Management and Environment Issues vegetation and constructing impervious surfaces along the Lake Nasworthy is a heavily used manmade lake; therefore, lake shoreline can also exacerbate erosion, runoff, and lake there will be resource management and environmental sedimentation. Vegetation removal is typically undertaken issues likely to be encountered as the city moves forward to create recreational space, increase areas available for to improve and enhance the lake and surrounding lands. development, or expand or enhance lake views. If poorly The exact issues will depend on the specific improvements planned, this practice can destabilize shorelines and undertaken. Based on public comments, three potentially sediments, increasing erosion and lake sedimentation. significant issue areas have been identified: (a) lake Construction of impervious structures such as driveways, dredging, (b) shoreline erosion/storm water management, parking areas, and buildings along the lake can also be and (c) lake water-level management. detrimental. Impervious surfaces increase the velocity and energy of storm water runoff, causing shoreline retreat and Lake Dredging lake sedimentation and adversely impact water quality. During the stakeholder input process, the public expressed considerable concern about the increasingly shallow water Accordingly, as additional development occurs, including depths in Lake Nasworthy; many suggested the city take particular projects proposed in this master plan, a action to dredge and deepen the lake. Dredging practices are comprehensive erosion control plan should be developed. subject to extensive federal and state regulatory oversight. In 2002, the city completed a two-year dredging project to In general, shoreline erosion response practices fall into remove 3.8 million cubic yards of sediment from the lake, two broad categories: (1) non-structural methods, and (2) increasing the lake’s capacity by about 2,500 acre-feet or structural or shoreline armoring methods. Non-structural some 800 million gallons. This project cost approximately erosion stabilization options typically rely on installation $10 million and was funded with revenues from the 1999 or maintenance of natural vegetation. Healthy shoreline section Type 4B one-half cent sales tax. Similar dredging vegetation provides effective resistance against light to actions are likely to be necessary to maintain water depths moderate wave action. Plant stalks break up wave energy and lake capacity in the future, notwithstanding a lack of and roots stabilize shoreline soils, reducing erosion and identified funding sources for those activities. A focus on mass sediment movement. Shoreline vegetation also erosion control in the section below can provide some slows surface water runoff, assisting in water absorption, opportunity to offset the costly need for dredging. Details reducing erosion and lake sedimentation. Healthy shoreline on the regulatory implications of lake maintenance are plant communities also enhance scenic views and provide
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 9 fish and wildlife habitat. Replanting or expanding shoreline importance of shoreline and storm water management vegetation is often the simplest and most cost effective practices should be carefully evaluated through a detailed solution where erosion forces are low to moderate. technical feasibility and engineering analysis before actions are proposed or authorization for the actions is sought Well-designed shoreline armoring structures such as bulkheads, riprap, and revetments are generally very effective Water Level Management in reducing or preventing shoreline erosion. However, many During the stakeholder and public input processes, concern such methods are expensive and can have detrimental was expressed regarding the current drought conditions in environmental consequences, including increased erosion west Texas and whether water levels in Lake Nasworthy rates on adjoining properties that are not armored. Unlike could be maintained over the long run. Commentators noted vegetation that absorbs and dissipates wave energy, hard that plans to enhance or expand lakeside amenities and structures reflect and refract wave energy and can cause development effectively assume that lake water levels can be extensive scour. Structural failure can occur if bulkheads maintained at a reasonably consistent level over time. Public are repeatedly overtopped, and tieback systems can fail. concern regarding lake levels is not unwarranted. According Sloped rock revetments are generally preferable to vertical to the Texas Water Development Board, presently all three bulkheads, as they tend to dissipate or absorb wave energy, reservoirs in the San Angelo area are at extremely low levels: rather than redirecting it to adjoining lots. O.C. Fisher Reservoir – 0.8 percent capacity; O.H. Ivie – 17.3 percent capacity; and Twin Buttes – less than 3 percent As development around Lake Nasworthy increases, the capacity, with some reports showing 0 percent capacity. city may face greater public demand for shoreline armoring solutions. Care must be taken as expanded use of armoring Lake Nasworthy captures stream-flow from the Middle reduces natural shoreline conditions and can detrimentally Concho River immediately downstream of Twin Buttes impact aquatic habitat and water quality. Reservoir. The South and Middle Concho rivers flow into Twin Buttes, and then into Lake Nasworthy, which is intended Recently, many lake communities are beginning to experiment to be maintained at a constant level using managed flows with what are called “biotechnical methods” of shoreline from Twin Buttes. However, due to declining water levels stabilization. This approach seeks to combine structural and in Twin Buttes, natural flow from the reservoir to Lake non-structural methods, incorporating, for example, gabion Nasworthy has all but stopped at the present time, forcing structures and installation of shoreline plant materials the city to pump water to reduce losses and sustain lake or detached log breakwaters. By reducing the severity of levels. Currently, Twin Buttes contains approximately 5,324 wave energy or attack on the shoreline, this method seeks acre-feet of water or about 3 percent of its capacity. Lake to create conditions where shoreline vegetation can be Nasworthy presently stores about 7,774 acre-feet, or about established and function to reduce shoreline retreat or 76 percent of its capacity. By pumping water from the south loss. By incorporating structural elements, this method to the north pool of the Twin Buttes Reservoir, the city seeks can expand the use of “soft” or non-structural elements in to reduce the surface area of Twin Buttes and conserve areas of high wave energy or severe erosion, minimizing drinking water by limiting evaporation. The water transfer environmental impacts and providing stability within the has also helped maintain water levels in Lake Nasworthy. system. A biotechnical approach is suitable for a wide range of erosion conditions and commonly used to prevent surface In recent years, historic drought conditions and increased erosion and shallow mass-movement of soil. water demand to serve municipal, agricultural, and oil and gas development needs have combined to stress water As the city considers future shoreline and storm water resources in west Texas. There is little question that in management actions, the potential negative impacts of the near-term, maintaining adequate water resources will shoreline armoring on fisheries, water quality, and other continue to be a significant challenge in west Texas and a environmental values should be carefully weighed. As high priority for the city of San Angelo, its water department, with potential dredging actions, the complexity, cost, and and the residents and visitors who enjoy Lake Nasworthy.
10 Market Analysis
ake Nasworthy is a unique location in a changing area. The Market Area Demographics lake itself attracts increasing demand as one of the few The market analysis shown in Figure 8 uses demographics Lrecreational lakes in the region. In addition, the growth in and statistics from a primary market that represents the local the larger market due to the impact from shale energy extraction “everyday” market and includes the City of San Angelo, and creates development pressures that could be harnessed to the the secondary market, which represents the visitor market benefit of the long term investment needs of Nasworthy. It that includes Odessa-Midland and Abilene-Sweetwater. is in this context that a market study was undertaken with a The analysis draws from the Arc View application of ESRI’s special focus on natural resource and recreation uses and with Business Analyst®. This national model generates data substantial stakeholder input and planning. by linking information such as demographics with specific locations or areas. The data is updated continually using benchmarks in the model that the software maker tracks The market analysis shows a strong demand for a variety and allocates geographically. The market study also utilized of activities associated with the lake and long term available data from the City of San Angelo. development around the lake related directly and indirectly to those activities. The analysis below establishes the Primary Market (City of San Angelo) demographic and market factors. The market demand is As shown in Figure 9, between 2010 and 2012 the total then presented in the context of the character zones in the population in the primary market area (City of San Angelo) following section. grew by 2 percent. This trend is projected to continue, with an estimated population of more than 100,000 by 2017; It is important to note that the often challenging ability to secure this translates into a projected growth of roughly 5 percent and maintain hotels and restaurants at recreational lakes could between 2012 and 2017. The number of households (36,000 be obviated by the strong general demand for hotels in the in 2010) is projected to follow the same trend with a projected region. One of the catalytic projects described below includes growth of 6 percent between 2012 and 2017 to an estimated the potential for a hotel or two at the lake, ones supported by 39,000 households in 2017. The following figure summarizes other recreational and guest services facilities. basic demographics for the primary market area.
Demographic Indicator Projections by Market Segment
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 11 Demographic Overview Primary Market
Population by Age Group in Percent Primary Market
12 Market Analysis
Population - Aging Trend Primary Market
Income Overview Primary Market
The number of families in the market area is projected lake environment in west Texas and the San Angelo area, to grow by 7 percent between 2012 and 2017. The share the plan will need to respond to potential users of many of family households of all households increases to 63 different age groups and interests, but they are all united by percent which differs from the overall national trend of the larger societal drive towards more active and engaged a growing number of single-person or non-family (single recreational and leisure lifestyles. person) households. Figure 11 summarizes the population into only three age Age Distribution groups and shows the change in distribution in percentage Over the next five years, the age distribution of the between 2010 and 2017. population of the primary market is projected to remain almost the same as in 2010 with a slight increase in the Household and Per Capita Income age groups 65 years and older and a slight decrease in the Figures 12 and 13 highlight income trends for the primary age groups 24 and younger and 25 to 64 years of age. This market area. finding reflects the ongoing national trend toward an overall older population, although this is less pronounced in San Household Distribution by Income Group Angelo than the nation as a whole.Figure10 shows the The share of households earning under $50,000 is population by age group in percent of the total population. projected to decrease by nine percent between 2012 and The value of this information to the plan is that as a rare 2017 to 52 percent of all households, while the share of
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 13 Distribution by Income Groups Primary Market 2012 Household Income
2012 Recreational Spending Potential Primary Market
14 Market Analysis
Spending Potential Index (SPI)
households earning between $50,000 and $100,000 and point. That both household income figures are moving up but the households earning more than $100,000 are projected the median is projected to move up at double the average to increase to a share 35 and 12 percent respectively over household income rate suggests that the “middle-class” the same time period. may actually stronger in San Angelo than nationally. If true, more households will seek the unique leisure experiences In 2012, the average household income in the primary offered by the lake in the next few years as they will be able market area is estimated to be $50,960, the, median to readily afford the time and cost of recreation. household income is $37,088, and the per capita income is $21,372. Median disposable household income in 2012 Recreational Spending Potential was estimated at $32,680. These figures are somewhat Figure 15 shows the 2012 annual recreation expenditure higher than similar figures for the US as a whole but do potential in the primary market area for categories related not suggest that the area is wealthy. More likely it is due to potential recreational uses at Lake Nasworthy. to the large number of family households which often have more than one income. Figure 16 puts the spending categories in Figure 15 in a national perspective. It shows the Spending Potential Index The estimated figures for 2017 show an average income (SPI) and represents the amount spent for a product or of $56,950 (+10.5 percent), a median income of $46,130 service relative to a national average of 100. (+19.6 percent), and a per capita income of $23,877 (+10.5 percent). A lower projected increase in median income than Spending in all categories is below the national average. average income suggests that San Angelo is again bucking This may indicate a lack of opportunities in the market area national trends. Nationally there is growing income disparity or, alternately, a simple lack of engagement in recreational between wealthier and poor households. This can be seen and leisure activities. This can be the result of local historical when the average of all household incomes in an area and cultural preferences for a less active lifestyle – not rises faster than the median household income. Median uncommon in rural areas but less common in medium-sized household income is the midpoint for all area households. communities like San Angelo. A low level of engagement in Fifty percent are above and 50 percent are below the single an active lifestyle can portend long-term health issues in a
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 15 16 Market Analysis
population. The implementation of the new parks plan and Nasworthy. Lakefront living is simply unavailable in many of the current plan may actually increase community health. the areas within the secondary market. In general this can be viewed as a positive development as these households Secondary Market - invest in San Angelo but demand little in city services in (Odessa-Midland, Abilene-Sweetwater) return. The most obvious downside would be if secondary The visitor or secondary market (see map in Figure 17) is market area households have any impact of reducing or important to this analysis for two reasons. One is that people denying lake access to residents of San Angelo. from Midland-Odessa and other secondary market residents have bought a sizable number of properties around Lake The other reason the secondary market is important is that
Demographic Overview Secondary Market
Population by Age Group in Percent Secondary Market
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 17 Aging Trend Secondary Market
Income Overview Secondary Market
Income - Distribution by Income Groups Secondary Market
day users and/or those staying in hotels within the primary of the San Angelo market through their purchases of things market may come to San Angelo for the unique experiences large of all sizes including special interest expenditures like and activities offered by the lake. During their visit they recreational rentals of boats. The result will be increases will spend money on food and beverage, fuel, potentially the size and selection of these businesses in San Angelo. hospitality, and at retailers. San Angelo will benefit in fiscal impact – more sales and other taxes collected – and local Benefits from visitation from the secondary market can businesses will benefit from increased sales it choice. The be enhanced by increasing the number and diversity of extent to which these visitors essentially increase the size recreational and leisure experiences at the lake – especially
18 Market Analysis
Household Income in Secondary Market
lake oriented activities - and the simple increase in the This is a fortunate development for this plan. The extent to population of this secondary market. which this plan matches the diverse household interests of the primary San Angelo market will help draw visitation San Angelo benefits from the potential increased secondary/ from the secondary market area too. visitor market visitation. See Figure 18 for a demographic overview of the secondary market. Between 2010 and Age Distribution 2012, the total population in this potential secondary/visitor As in the primary market, over the next five years, the age market area grew by 2.4 percent. This trend is projected distribution of the secondary market population is projected to continue, with an estimated population of more than to remain almost the same as in 2010 with a slight increase 780,000 by 2017, translating into a projected growth of in the age groups 65 years and older and a slight decrease in roughly 5 percent between 2012 and 2017. The number the age groups 24 and younger and 25 to 64 years of age. This of households (725,000 in 2010) is projected to follow the finding reflects the ongoing national trend toward an overall same trend with a projected growth of 5 percent between older population but less pronounced. Figure 19 shows the 2012 and 2017 to an estimated 286,000 households in 2017. population by age group in percent of the total population. Figure 18 summarizes these basic demographics for the secondary/visitor market area. Figure 20 summarizes the population into only three age groups and shows the change in distribution in percentage The number of families in the secondary market area is between 2010 and 2017. projected to grow by 6 percent between 2012 and 2017. The share of family households of all households increases to Household and Per Capita Income 68 percent, which is against the overall national trend of a Figures 21 and 22 highlight income trends for the secondary/ growing number of single-person or non-family households. visitor market area.
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 19 2012 Recreational Spending Potential Secondary Market
Household Distribution by Income Group is $21,512. Median disposable household income in 2012 The share of secondary market households earning under was estimated at $34,521. (See Figure 23) That the median $50,000 is projected to decrease by roughly 8 percent between household income is lower for the secondary market area is 2012 and 2017 to 52 percent of all households, while the share not necessarily surprising. This market area includes more of households earning between $50,000 and $100,000 and rural households which typically have lower income levels the households earning more than $100,000 are projected to in part because some of rural household annual wealth increase to a share of 33 and 14 percent respectively over the creation is not always captured in the statistics. same time period. These numbers do not account for inflation and do not reflect disposable household income. The estimated figures for 2017 show an average income of $62,404 (+10.8 percent), a median income of $47,021 In 2012, the average household income in the secondary/ (+16.6 percent), and a per capita income of $24,051 (+10.6 visitor market area is estimated to be $55,636, the median percent). While the rate of median household increase is household income is $39,208, and the per capita income greater in San Angelo, the pattern of a higher increase in
20 Market Analysis
Spending Potential Index (SPI)
median household income than in the average household the Sports& Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) publish income repeats for the secondary market. annual surveys on sports participation in the United States. Participation rates for selected activities are available by Recreational Spending Potential region, age group (age 7+), frequency, gender, and other Figure 24 shows the 2012 annual recreation expenditure variables. These rates have been applied to the San Angelo potential in the secondary/visitor market area for categories market area demographics to estimate the demand potential related to potential recreational uses at Lake Nasworthy. for development around the lake.
Figure 25 puts the spending categories in Figure 24 in a The following figures show the detailed participation national perspective. It shows the Spending Potential Index potential (demand) in selected sports based on (SPI) and represents the amount spent for a product or demographics and participation rates that would be found service relative to a national average of 100. on a fully developed similar site in similar market areas. Based on location, whether or not this is a regional or local As seen in the primary market, spending in all categories facility, competition, synergy effects, and cross participation is below the national average which indicates a lack of among activities, a specific market share is estimated. The opportunities in the market area. participants with the highest participation frequency for each selected sport are highlighted. This shows participants Demand Potential by Sports Participation that are likely to participate in a specific sport activity over a The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) and longer period of time, representing the core market demand.
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 21 Estimated Participation Potential, Primary Market
Estimated Participation Potential, Secondary Market
Primary Market Participation Potential people typically engage in that activity each year. This Figure 26 shows the participation potential for the City of informs decision makers on the size of the relative sports San Angelo in selected project related sports and activities and activity constituencies and on the capacity needs if a based on demographics and participation rates for the particular sport or activity is to be adequately supported primary market area. This shows the number of times with facilities.
22 Market Analysis
Overview Estimated Participation Potential, Total Market Area
The choice of which sports/activities to serve is a sensitive Another consideration is that there are some sports and one. While all are important, a selection of support facilities activities that can uniquely happen on a lake (and in some for a range of sports and activity facilities should serve the cases a river), such as fishing, swimming (it’s different in largest part of the population as well as the young, middle- a pool), canoeing, motor boating, sailing, kayaking, and aged, and old. There is also the consideration of selecting other water sports. Since these may draw visitors (and their activities that can share facilities. For example, many trails money which leads to fiscal and economic impact for San can be used for a number of activities ranging from walking, Angelo) from the secondary market, they really should bob jogging, and running to bicycling and possibly mountain biking. For example, a baseball diamond is an example of a to the top of what may be supported in a lake plan. facility that can serve only one sport and a seasonal one at that. Or Fields can serve football and soccer and even more Secondary Market Participation Potential unusual sports such as field hockey or lacrosse (which may Figure 27 shows the participation potential in the secondary come to San Angelo with the servicemen from Goodfellow market from selected project related sports and activities AFB and students from Angelo State). based on demographics and participation rates.
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 23 Estimated Participation Potential, Local Market
Estimated Participation Potential, Visitor Market
24 Market Analysis
Propensity to Participate - Market Potential Index (MPI)
Figure 28 shows the participation potential in selected participation it also estimates potential event (e.g. competition, sports/activities for both market areas, the City of San concert) attendance. A market share was not applied to Angelo and the visitor market combined for the years 2012 these numbers and it covers adults only – age 18 and above. and 2017, as well as changes in participation numbers based This approach also compares the likelihood of households/ on population growth and participation rates for Texas. individuals to participate/attend to the national average. It is accompanied by the MPI (Market Potential Index) which Market Participation Potential Summary measures the relative likelihood of people in the specified trade area to exhibit certain consumer behavior or to participate/ Demand Potential by Propensity attend in activities/events compared to the national average. This approach is based on the socio-economic characteristics of households in the market area and their propensities to use A Market Potential Index (MPI) of 100 represents the U.S. various products and services. While this approach estimates average. MPIs above 100 show a higher likelihood to
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 25 Hotel Occupancy Trends
participate in a certain activity; MPIs below 100 imply a lower Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, New Mexico, and Indiana.2012 than average participation. These figures are ascertained by was a strong year for tourism in Texas, with all indicators sending the specific demographic mix found in a market area showing positive growth in visitation, economic impact, and into a demand algorithm whose output is based on numerous hotel performance. Texas hotels collected an estimated$8.1 sources of survey research. The following graphs put the billion in revenues in 2012, an increase of 10 percent over participation categories for each market area into a national the previous year. More than 90 million room nights were perspective – depicting the Market Potential Index (MPI). sold statewide, with occupancy rates increasing 2.8 percent points to 62.3 percent. Tourism The booming oil and natural gas activity, particularly in the Texas Tourism & Hotel Market nearby Cline Shale is placing growth pressures on San Angelo. Domestic visitation to Texas increased six percent over Although the city itself is not the site of much exploration, it 2011 with an estimated 220million domestic travelers is one of the larger cities in the region and serves as a hub for having visited Texas in 2012. The majority, more than 70 service companies and temporary oilfield workers, executives, percent, traveled in Texas for leisure, and 30 percent for and families of those employees. Lake Nasworthy provides business. Texas had the 3rd largest share of domestic recreation opportunities for the influx of new workers, and visitation in the U.S. Top visitor origin markets for Texas appropriate means and facilities to entertain, serve, and include California, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Illinois, Florida, house them are essential for the future of San Angelo.
26 Market Analysis
San Angelo Hotel Market
In San Angelo, as in many towns in oil country, hotels are non-O&G balance of Texas showed 4.7 percent. In the fourth facing greater demand during the week from employment quarter of 2012, O&G revenues achieved +15.7 percent and than on the weekends. This inversion in demand opens up the non-O&G areas, +7 percent. opportunity to explore hospitality development opportunities that can serve current employment while also fulfilling a Nationally, year-over-year, lodging performance measures are maturing tourism demand. This can hedge any risk of decline now stabilizing at healthy growth levels after a three-year in employment demand by being oriented to the Lake and post-recession recovery period. Occupancy levels are above recreation by providing short-term support on new facilities, 60 percent and average daily rates are growing at a healthier and building a long-term reputation for lake recreation. 3.8 percent pace, aiding significant revenue per available room (RevPar) improvement. Supply additions remain well below Areas closely related to oil and gas production (O&G gains in room-nights sold. With 2012 RevPar reaching $55.83 counties) showed a 15.7 percent revenue gain in 2012, and (equal to 2008), and occupancy slightly above long-term accounted for 56 percent of the state’s total revenue gain averages, overall new hotel development projects will likely (from 38 percent of the state’s room supply). The 62 percent commence selectively. (RevPar is calculated by multiplying a of room supply in non-O&G counties generated a modest but hotel’s average daily room rate by its occupancy rate.) healthy 7 percent revenue gain for 2012. Room-nights sold in O&G areas garnered real growth of 8.5 percent, while the Assuming the hotels are open 365 nights per year, in the
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 27 San Angelo Hotel Market 35-70 Miles Distance
Preliminary San Angelo Lake Nasworthy Hotel Demand Calculation
28 Market Analysis
San Angelo Lake Nasworthy Proposed Hotel Room/Room Night Supply
current year San Angelo has a room night supply of 713,940. likely to create an additional room and room night supply as Based on available room nights and the last year’s occupancy shown in Figure 36. rate, 521,176 room nights were sold in San Angelo. Room nights sold for the 1st quarter of this year are 182,377.The Restaurant Local Market next available hotels outside of San Angelo are 35 miles In 2011, households in San Angelo spent an average of $2,340 away. Figure 34 lists the hotels that are between 35 and 70 for food away from home, which accounts for 4.7 percent miles away from San Angelo of the average household budget. In total, households in San Angelo spent $86,290,000 in this category. Figures 37 Preliminary Hotel Demand Estimate through 40 detail number of visits, type of restaurant visited, Beside the additional demand from energy-related business, for what reason, and the day of visits to a restaurant. new demand may come from recreation and leisure visits to Lake Nasworthy. The demand estimates shown in Figure 35 are Restaurant Visitor Market based only on the new additional room demand from recreation In 2011, households in the secondary/visitor market spent an and leisure activities that will be offered around the lake and average of $2,520 for food away from home, which accounts for conservatively assumes one visit per year. It is based on the 4.7 percent of the household budget. In total, households in the population figures from the secondary/visitor markets. secondary/visitor market spent $684,230,000 in this category. The following graphs detail number of visits, type of restaurant In comparison the proposed two new hotel facilities are visited, for what reason, and the day of visits to a restaurant.
Local Market Frequency of Restaurant Visits
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 29 Local Market Frequency of Fast Food Visits
Local Market Restaurant Reason and Day of Visit
30 Market Analysis
Local Market Fast Food Reason and Day of Visit
Visitor Market Frequency of Restaurant Visits
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 31 Visitor Market Frequency of Fast Food Visits
Visitor Market Restaurant Reason and Day of Visit
32 Market Analysis
Visitor Market Fast Food Reason and Day of Visit
Assuming the out of town visitor numbers from the hotel household, showing similar proportions by age category, demand estimates and an average spending of $27 per presence of children in the home, life stage, and by generation. person for food and beverage per day, the additional In household income, the Big Bend Region shows a wealthier visitation to Lake Nasworthy could create roughly $5million distribution in its travel base, attracting more visitors in the per year in new spending potential for restaurants, fast $75,000+ range (54 percent)and fewer in the under-$50,000 food restaurants and bars. range (33 percent)than the U.S. average. The average traveler has a household income of $86,520. About one-third of the Regional Tourism Demographics region’s visitors have children in their households. The greatest Two sources of regional tourism statistics are included here. proportion of the regions visitors are in the 18-34 age category One is more general than the other as the region covered – and the average visitor is 44 years old. called the Big Bend Region – is enormous. As large as Texas is, it is only divided into seven tourism regions and much Type of Trip and Spending of west Texas is in this one region. A brighter note would Of all visitors to the region, 49 percent are leisure visitors. be that this region does cover most of the Permian Basin Non-vacation leisure visitors (37.5 percent) coming to the and therefore does give us a good big picture view. Below region to visit friends and relatives (VFR) comprise about is what the data shows for this large region, of which San one-quarter of the leisure visits by trip purpose. Of the Angelo is a part. vacation leisure visitors (11.5 percent), 5.7 percent are on a weekend getaway and 5.8 percent are enjoying general The number of person-stays in the Big Bend Region is estimated vacations. The remaining 51 percent of visitors to the region at 6.17 million in 2011, and the volume of person-days was are on business trips – 9.9 percent visit the region for a estimated at 15.42 million. The Big Bend Region’s share of meeting or conference while the majority (41.1 percent) total person-days to Texas is the smallest out of the seven visit the region to conduct business such as construction, main Texas tourism regions. Leisure visitors share essentially repair, client services, or sales. The average per person per all of the demographic characteristics with the typical U.S. day spending is $129.60 of which most is for transportation
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 33 (34.9 percent) due to increased fuel costs, followed by food Big Bend Region/San Angelo Tourism Summary (20.8 percent) and accommodations (16.9 percent). • Texans generated 61.7% of Person-Days to the Big Travel Party Composition and Activities Bend Region; Non-Texans 38.3% The largest travel party type in the region is one male only • Top 3 Texan origin DMAs: with 43.9 percent, followed by couples (21.6 percent). 1. Dallas-Fort Worth, Couples with children account for only 6.1 percent of all 2. Odessa-Midland, travel parties in the region. This comes as no surprise since 3. San Antonio; the majority of travel is for business and only a quarter of all travel parties are households with children; the average • Top 3 Non-Texan DMAs: travel party size is 1.66. The region’s most popular activities 1. Los Angeles, for visitors are culture (12 percent) including historic sites, 2. Shreveport, concerts and plays, festivals, and museum visits. This is 3. Albuquerque-Santa Fe followed by nature-related activities (8.6 percent) such as • Leisure travel represented 49 percent of Person-Days to visiting a National or State Park, hiking/biking, visiting a the Big Bend Region; Vacation 11.5 percent and Non- lake, eco tourism, and camping. Outdoor sports are the least Vacation 37.5 percent favorite activities. • Business travel represented 51% of Person-Days to the Big Bend Region; Meetings 9.9 percent and Transient Length of Stay 41.1 percent The average length of stay is 2.61 days. The average length of overnight stays is 4.04 nights. Day trips make the • Activity categories participated in Big Bend Region: majority with 43.3 percent, 1 to 3-night stays make up 42.5 1. Culture 12.2 percent percent, followed by 4 to 7-night stays with 10 percent and 2. Nature 8.6%, 8+night stays with 4.2 percent. Economic changes seem 3. Touring 7.9%, to be affecting travel behavior for the state. Texas visitors 4. Attractions 6.4%, historically tend to drive longer distances for their leisure 5. Outdoor Sports 3.6% travel, but 2008 brings in more drivers closer to home as the • Average Party Size (Adults and Children) 1.66 persons average one-way distance traveled by auto is at a five‐year • Average length of Stay was 2.61 days (overnight and low of 136 miles, in part because of the higher fuel costs. days); 4.04 nights (overnight only). • 68.7 percent traveled by Auto; 21.3% by Air • Accommodation Type: Paid 61.9 percent; Non-Paid 37.4 percent; Other Overnight 0.7 percent • Average Per Person Per Day Spending $129.60 • Average Age 44.1 years • Average Household Income $86,520 • Children in Household: Yes 32.3%, No 66.7 percent • Children in Household: Yes 32.3%, No 66.7 percent
34 Market Analysis
Tourism data from a second, smaller area source is • The gross domestic product (GDP) of the Texas travel discussed below and presents impact data, referenced industry was $26.8 billion in 2012. This is similar to other earlier, by type and scale. export-oriented industries such as microelectronics and agriculture/food production. Only oil and gas production According to a recent study by Dean Runyan and Associates and related manufacturing has a significantly greater GDP. for the State of Texas, the multi-billion dollar travel industry in Texas is a vital part of the state and local economies. The following table, from the Dean Runyan report, is a great The industry is represented primarily by retail and service illustration of the scale and value of travel industry impacts firms, including lodging, restaurants, retail stores, gasoline on the San Angelo MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) or service stations, and other types of businesses that sell Iron and Tom Green Counties. With the exception of 2010, their products and services to travelers. The money that direct impact has grown remarkably between 2002 and visitors spend on various goods and services while in Texas 2012, only a decade later. produces business receipts at these firms, which in turn employ Texas residents and pay their wages and salaries. State and local government units benefit from travel as well, primarily in the form of excise taxes on the goods and ■■■ services purchased by visitors.
• Total direct travel spending in Texas was $65.7 billion in 2012. This represents a 6.7 percent increase over the preceding year. In real dollars (adjusted for inflation), travel spending increased by 4.4 percent. • Hotel room demand increased by 5.7 percent from 2011 to 2012. Visitor air travel on domestic flights to Texas destinations increased by 3.8 percent. Since 2009, room demand has increased on average by 7 percent per year, and visitor air travel has increased by 3.1 percent per year. • Direct travel-generated employment increased by 2.9 percent for the year, while earnings increased by 5.7 percent. This was the second consecutive year of employment growth. • Local and state tax revenues directly generated by travel spending were $4.4 billion in 2012, not including property tax payments. This represents approximately eight percent of all local and state tax revenues, not including property taxes. • Travel spending generated $7.9 billion in local, state, and federal tax receipts which is equivalent to $840 in tax revenue for each Texas household (property taxes are not included). • Travel spending supported jobs in other industries through the re-spending of travel-related revenues by businesses and individuals. The secondary impacts in 2012 were 499,000 jobs and $19.0 billion in earnings.
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 35 36 Master Plan DRAFT
he Lake Nasworthy Master Plan was crafted based on the information summarized in the previous sections of this report. Evaluation of the Texisting context, incorporation of stakeholder input, and evaluation and consideration of physical and market realities were fused together to inform the master plan.
Lake Nasworthy Area Master Plan Figure 45 shows the five character zones– physical and artificial boundaries separate the areas that contain areas of similar use or characteristics.
Lake Nasworthy Area Master Plan
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | October 2013 37 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Master Plan
Zone 1: Action Sports
Market Potential by Character Zone Zone 1: Action Sports Each character zone incorporates and builds on existing Programming for this zone includes: activities to maximize market opportunities. The various • Boat Races (Drag Boats, Remote Controlled Boats) zones have different magnet attractions, slightly different • Wake Boarding age appeals, and serve different interests, different levels of • Archery active lifestyle engagement, and have varying seasonality. • Mountain Biking This can indicate whether zones are likely to be active enough • Trail Running to support facilities like food and beverage, hospitality, and • Camping (RV,Tent) other support elements for the guest experience. Zones with magnets and other facilities with year-round facilities and In the action sports zone, boat races will require peak loading general market appeal are likely to have longer lengths-of- of spectators for special events that, while built into the stay and are more likely to be able to support the support design, do not negatively impact the day-to-day use of the facilities. If the zone also offers a higher degree of activities area by the other magnet attractions. Almost all of these unique to a lake environment, they also are more likely to activities have enthusiastic aficionados who will come to the draw from the secondary market in visitation and economic site to engage in them and have few other places in the area and fiscal impact. where they can currently do so. Therefore, all of the activities
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 39 in this zone are technically magnet attraction elements. The the most enthusiasts of the activities in this zone (assuming activity mix in action sports does include some water-based sufficient capacity for both). It is interesting that there may be activities that can happen on water, but most are not in that more wakeboarding demand than boating. However, there are category. While camping is not truly a destination or magnet underwater mechanical wakeboarding systems that eliminate activity in this zone, it is included as a service to visitors in the need for a boat and some wakeboarding is just a simpler town for the water- based events. In effect, it is a temporary version of surfing. increase in camping capacity for events. That said, some of the additional camping spots may have a longer business All of the activities shown in Figure 47 skew toward the season when camping demand from all of the proposed younger age cohorts except for archery and camping which activities in this plan are considered. The relative demand and are all-ages activities. Archery is seen as a family activity at popularity of these activities, when it can be calculated with the current facility – which is unusually successful for this type available data, are projected in Figure 47. of facility but still has further development potential. By being targeted to a family audience, it can be considered the top-tier The action sports activities have a long season in the San Angelo of sporting activities, a lifelong sport. If success continues, this climate. It allows for three season boating, wakeboarding, will change the typical profile of the sport which indicates that archery, mountain biking, trail running, and camping; most, most participants are young. weather permitting, can be enjoyed year-round. Mountain biking, running, jogging, and trail running all rely on Boating and wakeboarding may be the crown jewels among the the same thing – a trail system; however, two types of trails are magnets in this cluster as they require a lake or wide river and needed. Trail running and mountain biking can share a similar trail can be done rarely in west Texas. If one wants to engage in this – a rougher trail with many rises and falls. The other trail activities activity in the region, he or she has to come to the lake to do it. prefer a more finished and flatter trail. Bikes and runners share Figure 47 suggests that boating and wakeboarding may capture a trail best when it is wide enough for easy passage. There is no
Zone 1 Estimated Participation/Attendance Potential
40 Master Plan
Zone 2: Harbor Village
good way of projecting trail running demand at this time but the • Marina projections for mountain biking and running offer insight. Both • Beach would significantly top trail running, an elite form of running. It is • Restaurants estimated that demand would be 15,000 to 30,000 a year, about • Hotel a quarter to a half of the other two similar activities. Several key • Sailing School/Electric Boat Rental youth populations at the nearby Air Force base and the university • Triathlon Staging Area are likely to contribute to this group. • Splash pad • Party Boats People generally engage in several of these activities year-round, bringing their own supplies, with the exception of campers who The proposed activities for Harbor Village include a number typically require some type of a camp store. Another exception of magnet or destination elements including a reinvented will be the need to supply enthusiasts who come for the boating marina and restaurant. In fact, the package of activities and other events. Support/human services infrastructure will in this zone is so uniquely lake-driven that they constitute be needed. Restrooms would operate year-round but food and the plan’s best zone for drawing in day and overnight users beverage only during the peak usage seasons. from the secondary/visitor market area and the economic impact that would come with it. This is an area that Zone 2: Harbor Village might have been attractively pictured on a phone book a • Programming for this zone includes: generation ago. This area can capitalize on the activity
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 41 already generated in the adjacent Mary Lee Park and the likely to be administratively connected to the marina in the Concho Bass Club. The development of the harbor area may case of the sailing school. also represent the best opportunity for improved economic development of San Angelo because of the image it can This zone will be the commercial heartbeat of the lakefront project for the community -- a picture more powerful in and will include, along with a hotel and restaurant, probably the marketplace of economic development than images of at least one gift shop, the party boat or boats, berths and lakefront homes. Not everyone who sees a picture of a boat launches, and boat rentals, and the best place to lakefront home believes that they will one day own one, actually swim/use the splash pad on the lake. In time, the but just about everyone has a reasonable expectation of other commercial elements often found on beaches can be using the facilities planned for Harbor Village. added such as mini-golf and perhaps a seasonal carnival can be anticipated unless these are developed as part of Zone 3. The three-season marina and the year-round restaurants, which must be on the water to distinguish them from other Parking management will be critical for this zone during peak restaurants in town and justify the drive past others to this demand times. Plans should include at least one “walk-to” location, are particularly viable if coupled with an appropriately gravel parking lot and a swing set of handicapped parking programmed and designed hotel. The key for the hotel will be spaces that can vary depending on anticipated demand for water views and convenient water access, which is why well parking (more spaces close to the beach/activity center designed adjacency to the marina and the beach are critical. during peak times).
The additional magnet destination elements could include Hotel Market the waterborne version of the restaurants – the party boats • Occupancy rates in San Angelo grew from 58% in 2010 – which are likely to be active in the summer as well as to 73% in 2012 (78% 1st quarter of 2013) spring and fall weekends, the beach and splash pads • As mentioned earlier, San Angelo currently has a room which will be unique (like the boating) in the region and night supply of 713,940. Based on available room become magnet destinations, like the party boats, through nights and last year’s occupancy rate, 521,176 room the summer into the weekends of the spring and fall. The nights were sold triathlon staging area and sailing schools may use the other • Based on a market share of 25% of the secondary/visitor proposed elements for staging and be an event experience market and assuming only one visit per year, an additional in the case of the triathlon and a programming experience estimated room night demand of 137,391 would be created
Zone 2 Estimated Participation/Attendance Potential
42 Master Plan
Zone 3: Nature/Education
(not including demand for business travelers). See Figure 49 for the estimated participation and attendance • A 250-room resort type hotel would add 91,250available potential for Harbor Village facilities and activities. room nights and would sell 70,900 room nights based on the current occupancy rate. Zone 3: Nature/Education Programming for this zone includes: Restaurant Market • Nature Center • In 2011, households in San Angelo spent on average • Family Entertainment Center (FEC) $2,340 for food away from home which accounts for 4.7% of the household budget. This zone is intended to stay in a more natural state and • In total, households in San Angelo spent $86,290,000 would be a good location for the potentially relocated San in this category Angelo Nature Center. Both the nature center and the fami- • In total households in the secondary/visitor markets ly entertainment concepts (FEC) in this zone (see Figure 50) spent $684,230,000 in this category are unique to a lake setting. Some seasonality is possible • With $27 spending per person for food and beverage although most zoos in southern locations and nature centers per day by out of town visitors, the additional visitation are busiest not in the summer but rather in the spring and to Lake Nasworthy could create roughly $5million fall when the temperatures are more moderate for what is in new spending potential for restaurants, fast food typically seen as an outdoor attraction. The nature center/ restaurants, and bars FEC concept would offer residents and visitors an introduc-
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 43 tion to the local ecology through a visitor’s center and high San Angelo’s leading attendance attraction as zoos typical- quality exhibits. The experience could also include a small ly have the highest attendance in communities. That will, film theater, a small educational and entertaining zoo expe- however, not be a threat to other well-regarded and estab- rience done in cooperation with one of the larger metro zoos lished facilities in town such as the art museum because in Texas (one that would appreciate a west Texas outpost), zoos tend to skew youth-ward in age appeal while art and state-of-the-art animal feeding programs for visitors, and a cultural attractions tend to draw adults and youths with a small array of fun and entertaining experiences that will in- different set of interests. Summer and weekend camp pro- terest the youth market and bring in financial support for the grams should also be built into the planning for this facility. overall management/ownership entity. To raise revenue and It may turn out that many of the active uses proposed for the keep adolescents coming back to visit (often with younger lakefront will also spawn summer and learn-to programs. siblings),mini-zoos today can offer a broad array of enter- taining and overnight experiences such as mini-golf, small Zone 4: Special Opportunity rides, carousels, electric go-karts, ball pits, discovery digs, Programming for this zone includes: gondola rides, zip lines, and ropes courses. • Walk/Jogging/Bike Trail • Windsurfing Many smaller communities across the US currently run suc- • Zip line cessful nature centers and mini-zoos. If developed in San • Nature Center (Alternative) Angelo it is likely that within a few years this would be • Hotel
Zone 4: Special Opportunity
44 Master Plan
• Residential Development tion, with sufficient height it can be oriented to capture lake • Commercial/ Retail Development views. This location will have special access to fitness trails and proximity to other lake assets, possibly making it a very This site, which includes the old power plant and the lake, al- successful hotel property with an edge over other hotels in the ready draws a lot of San Angelo residents who participate in market with standard locations. Multifamily residential and a walking and running activities. A thorough site improvement roadside retail/ restaurant, should also be considered for this would increase visitation, thus supporting related attractions site. It would target a different market than the proposed ho- and activities around the site and improve safety and access tel in the harbor village zone as that is a distinct property with over the current unfavorable situation. Once again, all of the direct lakefront access. proposed activities are magnet attractions although most are not unique to a lakefront; most (like the hotel and residences) Hotel Market would be more successful due to lake views. • As noted above, but relevant here as well, occupancy rates in San Angelo grew from 58% in 2010 to 73% in With the exception of windsurfing they are not very seasonal. 2012 (78% 1st quarter of 2013) The trail system is already well-established around Gun Club • San Angelo currently has a room night supply of Hill and the market (and landowners) would welcome a safer 713,940. Based on available room nights and the last alternative if it is equally interesting. years occupancy rate 521,176 room nights were sold • Based on a market share of 25% of the secondary/visi- Zip lines are a clear possibility with the existing topography tor market assuming only one visit per year an addition- on the site and would add a unique activity to the site. This al estimated room night demand of 137,391 would be is also true for a ropes course. These would work best if the created (not including demand for business travelers). decision is made to maintain Gun Club Hill as a public desti- • A 100 room full service hotel would add 36,500 avail- nation rather than a private development area but could still able room nights and would sell 28,361 room nights be offered if careful planning allowed for a launching area at based on the current occupancy rate. the top of the hill. Even if Gun Club Hill is offered for private • Current trail system demands are very evident in this development, a trail system and recreational access should zone due to the usage of the road around gun club hill. be incorporated on the top in order to take advantage of the The extensive trail system proposed is an effort to di- views and to lessen the pressure of the walking demand on rectly respond to this interest and need. the road around the hill. Zone 5: Community/Activity The power plant site is a standard site for a hotel – on a pri- Programming for this zone includes: mary road and near both an airport and downtown – in addi- • Birding Center
Zone 4 Estimated Participation/Attendance Potential
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 45 Zone 5 Community Activity
• Fishing own supplies; there is no clear need for support facilities. The • Canoe/ Kayak design of this zone should be natural – including any public conveniences provided. There is sufficient demand for these A trio of low impact activities will succeed best on a quieter activities – especially as many of the participants in these portion of the lake (see Figure 53). While lower impact, the more sedentary activities are older (see Figure 54). birding center, fishing facility, and canoe and kayak facilities are still magnet attractions as they are activities unique to lakes Integrated Parks/Trails and Connectivity and wide rivers. Two of these activities require a location to A network of trails and connections would help build a which wildlife are drawn – birds and fish. Despite the low-im- sense of identity and synergy between character zones pact and quiet nature of these activities, they are all very pop- around Lake Nasworthy. The lake is a beautiful natural ular with enthusiastic followings, as shown in Figure 54 below. treasure for both San Angelo and surrounding communities. Hiking, biking, and walking are healthy, affordable ways to From a design perspective it would be appropriate to spread enjoy the natural world, to exercise, to relax, and to travel these activities across the zone, as people do not typically from place to place around the lake. However, there are do one and then another in succession– there is no activity currently no dedicated bike lanes on the roads around the synergy, so they are best designed to be quiet and low im- lake and few trails along the water and through the natural pact. People engaged in these activities typically bring their wooded areas. The City of San Angelo has identified the
46 Master Plan
Zone 5 Estimated Participation/Attendance Potential
need for more trails in the lake area, and many of the trails Organized trail systems can stimulate the local economy by in this report were already included in the City of San An- increasing tourism and promoting local business. gelo Bike and Pedestrian Plan (last updated in 2008) and/ or the 2012 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Key Considerations Plan. A recent survey completed by Community Develop- Some of the trails proposed in this section are not on city- ment Initiatives at Angelo State University in June of 2013 owned land, particularly along the old raised rail bed that asked participates to provide feedback on existing and an- would be the location of the Rails-to-Trails trail discussed ticipated pedestrian and bicycle use. This survey revealed below. This trail would run from Spillway Road to Red Bluff robust current and future demand for bike and pedestrian Road, a distance of 1.8 miles, and would include a pedes- facilities. The survey found that many adults in San Angelo trian bridge over the Middle Concho River. Rights of access have in interest in pedestrian and cycling activities with would need to be acquired by the city or a non-profit entity. only 12.1% of respondents saying they “lack any sense of identification “with these activities. Also the survey found There are also a few sections of the proposed foot trails, in- that “Parks, Museums and other community centers are cluded in the COSA (City of San Angelo) Parks, Recreation and the most popular destinations for patrons of cycling and Open Space Master Plan, that cross land owned by the U.S. pedestrian activity.” This is also a frequent activity with Department of the Interior (DOI). An agreement would need six-of-ten survey respondents reporting traveling by foot to be reached with the DOI, if one is not already in place, be- to a destination at least once a week and three-of-ten us- fore trail construction could begin on these reaches. Sections ing bicycles to travel at least once a week . The proposed of the hike and bike trails that are not on city-owned land are trails in this section are expansions on previously planned shown in Image 55, the Proposed Trail System, in light green. routes, trails, and recommended trailhead locations. Sections of the foot trail included in the Parks Master Plan that cross DOI land are shown as a dotted blue line. The proposed network of trails, bike lanes, and bike routes, as shown on the Proposed Trail System map (Figure 55) Some trails cross land that is leased by the city. Such trail would allow bicyclists to travel safely from the north along reaches should be aligned and designed to either wholly Knickerbocker Road to attractions around the lake. In addi- avoid or minimally displace the agricultural and other uses tion to providing opportunity for alternative modes of mobil- of the lessee, with written governing understandings be- ity, it would include over 28 miles of scenic and recreational tween the lessees and the city. Sections of trail on city land opportunity, creating a loop around the lake. The trail system that are not currently parkland are shown in purple on the could also contribute to a solution of the current conflict of Proposed Trail System map. Trail that crosses existing park- uses on Gun Club Road between vehicles and pedestrians. land is shown in dark green.
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 47 Proposed Trail System Map
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Master Plan Sketch of Planned Trail, Midland I-20 Playa Preserve
Proposed Additions to the COSA Bike and Pedestrian Concho River. A spur would connect to the Hatchery lands Plan (B&PP) on which a playa (an undrained desert basin, watered nat- In addition to the proposed bike route along Spillway Road, urally by rainfall) and restored native prairie are planned as which was included in the COSA Bike and Pedestrian Plan part of this report’s birding destination program. The hike as a bike lane, this report recommends a hike and bike trail and bike trail would continue on the other side of the South running along the northern edge of Spring Creek and the Concho River until it connects with the bike route on Beaty southern edge of the Middle Concho River, connecting with Road. At the place where the hike and bike trail meets the the broader trail system at each end. This trail would be river, there is a large shoal which may allow hikers and cy- a more meandering, less direct route than that included in clists to ford the river easily. However, it is recommended the B&PP, offering an alternative five-mile scenic trail along that the city further study this possibility. Lake Nasworthy. The road loop around Gun Club Hill, created by Gun Club On the east side of the lake, along Fish Hatchery Road, this Road and Hillside Drive, is heavily used at present by walk- report recommends a hike and bike trail running to the South ers and runners and there are a number of points along the
1 San Angelo Pedestrian and Bicycle Project Priorities Survey. Dr. Kenneth Stewart. Angelo State University Community Development Initiatives. 2013.
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 49 road where visibility is impaired by hills and curves. A trail bridge across the Middle Concho River. Information on separated from the roadway would allow for safe use by pe- programs that offer potential funding or technical assis- destrians and unobstructed use of the roadway by vehicles. tance for trails are included in the implementation section San Angelo’s City Engineer reported in a memo to City Coun- of this report. cil on August 17, 2010, that adding such a trail would require the physical widening of approximately 6,000 linear feet of Bike Lanes and Routes Gun Club Road (to establish a minimum roadway width of In places where the proposed trail system is shown along 20 feet) and construction of an additional 5- to 8-foot wide a roadway, except in the cases of Knickerbocker Road and improved pedestrian way adjacent to the roadway. The City Gun Club Road, it is likely that a new bike route would Engineer reported that this would require the excavation of be the most appropriate form for the trail to take. A bike the vertical embankment along the north and west sides of route, or Class III bikeway in TXDOT/FHWA nomenclature, Gun Club Hill. This report recommends pursuing this option, would provide for shared use with motor vehicle traffic and as it would improve public safety while allowing pedestri- would be identified by signs and/or pavement markings. ans to continue enjoying the views from the road. The con- struction of a trail loop on the top of Gun Club Hill itself, A bike lane is recommended for Knickerbocker Road in- for which there is a Parks Department Capital Improvements stead of a bike route. A bike lane, or Class II bikeway, Program (CIP), could also reduce pedestrian use of the Gun would be adjacent to but separated from the travel lanes Club Hill loop road and would provide a significant amenity with striping. Since Knickerbocker is a busy four-lane road, to the citizens of San Angelo and to visitors. a bike lane would be needed to provide some protection for cyclists and to help organize traffic flow. It may not be Two sections of the old rail line jut out into Lake Nasworthy possible to add a bike lane on the stretch of Knickerbocker just southwest of Hot Water Slough Park. While it may be Road that crosses Lake Nasworthy since the bridge may possible to build a bridge from one to the other in order to not be wide enough to accommodate the added lanes. In extend the length of the Rail Trail (discussed below), it would that event, signs can direct cyclists to use the sidewalk likely be cost prohibitive. Instead, the city could make the along the western side of the bridge. bridge stubs more conducive to public use, such as fishing, which public interviews reveal is happening there already. Hike/Bike Trails and Footpaths Adding a sun shelter (perhaps 6 by 12 feet supported by col- Off-road (Class I) trails such as the loop trail atop Gun Club umns) at the end of each stub, with well-placed benches un- Hill will need to accommodate both bikers and hikers/walkers derneath, would make them more pleasant to use. The stub with a width of at least nine feet. These sections are col- on the west is wider in some parts, and a picnic area could ored purple or green on the Proposed Trail System map (Figure be added. Given the wear and tear evident on the stubs, a 55), depending on whether the land is or is not city-owned. budget should be allocated to their improvement, including Where the alignment for the new trail is fairly even and sur- safety and visual quality enhancement. face conditions are non-eroding, minimal light re-grading and tamping may be all that is needed for stabilization. Where any Rail-to-Trails erosion or instability is evident, stabilization can be achieved Former rail lines have been transformed into popular rec- with suitable design and specification. Cross-grades (pitch) reational trails and transportation corridors around the US and all other specs should conform to TXDOT/ADA/FHWA and elsewhere. The raised beds remaining after a rail line standards. Path vertical alignments should not exceed 3 per- has been decommissioned offer a unique opportunity to cent gradients where possible, with a maximum of 5 percent create trails that are flat or gently sloped and are ideal where steeper grades are unavoidable. for bicycling, walking, inline skating, equestrian use, and wheel chair use. The former rail line that runs from Spill- The city’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan way Road in the west to Red Bluff Road in the east could includes trails on city land adjacent to Spring Creek Park and be turned into one of these trails, adding almost two miles Middle Concho Park, shown on the Proposed Trail System of trails in a natural setting and creating a pedestrian-bike map in blue. These trails can be designed as footpaths with
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widths of only two feet in most areas. As with the hike/ projects included in the implantation section of this report. bike trails described above, where grade conditions for the new trail are fairly stable, only minimal light re-grading and Other Considerations tamping may be needed for stabilization. Where erosion The Parks and Recreation Department may wish to con- or instability is evident, stabilization can be achieved with sider installation of an appropriate number of emergency the measures recommended above. The design, grades, phones along remote portions of the trail system. Also, the and surfacing for all trails discussed in this section should department may wish to name the trail system overall and conform to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and TAS its individual reaches with a nomenclature that expresses (Texas Accessibility Standards) specifications. the unique attributes of the lake and its plant and animal life. Adding 28 miles of new trails in a well-planned net- Trailheads work around Lake Nasworthy would provide San Angelo The establishment of trailheads with way-finding informa- residents and visitors with greater opportunities to enjoy tion and space for parking will be important. These can be the lake’s natural beauty and to engage in healthy, low constructed with low-impact, attractive design and can be impact recreation. accompanied by amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and parking or can simply provide information about the trail. ■■■ The Proposed Trail System map shows ten optimum loca- tions for trailheads, noted with star symbols:
1. Intersection of Middle Concho Drive and Jaycee Road. 2. Along Middle Concho Drive near the entrance of the rail trail. 3. On Gun Club Road at the proposed entrance to the hill top trail. 4. Intersection of Knickerbocker Road and Beaty Road. 5. On Fish Hatchery Road where the off-road hike and bike trail begins and a trail spur leads off to the new birding site at the old Fish Hatchery #2. 6. Intersection of Knickerbocker Road and South Concho Drive. 7. Intersection of Knickerbocker Road and Fisherman’s Road. 8. Along Knickerbocker Road at the potential location of campsites and a potential relocated site of the San An- gelo Nature Center. 9. On the southwest side of the Middle Concho River where two trails intersect. 10. On the opposite side of the Middle Concho River where three trails intersect.
It is recommended that parking be included for at least three trailheads: intersection of Knickerbocker Road and Beaty Road (on the adjacent city property), intersection of Gun Club Road and Hillside Drive (on city property) and corner of Con- cho Drive and Jaycee Road (on city property).A potential trail- head (at the first location listed above) is one of the catalytic
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 51 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Implementation Report
Potential Partnership Structures tional investment potential over time for key infrastructure The key to implementing the vision and projects in this mas- such as improvements to Knickerbocker Road in order to ter plan will be partnerships. Whether with partnerships provide both safe access and increased capacity to desti- among the city and other public sector entities or partner- nations around the lake. Accordingly, the creation of a Tax ships with potential private investors, the public sector must Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) should be considered be very careful how it uses its limited assets to catalyze in order to provide the potential for additional investments desired activity at the lake. beyond the potential capacity of the Lake Nasworthy Trust Fund. This will be especially important if one of the goals is The myriad activities described in this report and potential to balance the preservation of the corpus of the trust fund additional activities are impressive. The vision for partner- with expenditures over time. ship and coordination in this implementation section pro- vides the means for the various public partners with an inter- If any special district such as a TIRZ is created to support est in Lake Nasworthy to work together to create synergies catalytic public investments for Lake Nasworthy, the follow- and shared outcomes in terms of land assets, revenues for ing should be considered: operations and maintenance, and complementary programs. • The Special District Project Plan establishing public The city is in the position to help prime development by sup- elements for investments such as trails, docks, public porting at some level necessary utility costs where it deems plazas, etc. should align with the catalytic elements set appropriate. The investments involved depend on the type forth in this plan. of development. Once detailed project needs are identified, fiscal calculations should be made to consider the cost/ben- • The City’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP) should also efit case for spurring development on a specific currently be synced with the Special District Projects Plan so that underutilized parcel. any CIP expenditures leverage the Special District Project Plan, especially in terms of basic utilities and streets. Regarding basic needs for the successful operation of the • If a TIRZ is created as the special district, incentive lake and any expanded activities, this implementation sec- policies should be included in the finance plan such as tion identifies significant infrastructure and public amenity the conditions in which “Chapter 380” Sales Tax and needs such as bathroom facilities, trails, and erosion control Hotel-Motel Tax grants might be considered. For exam- measures. Public investment in those elements should be ple, the policy might state that those grants could be undertaken to catalyze and leverage private investments in eligible for projects that align with the catalytic vision entertainment, restaurants, hotels, etc. The means to do this and projects of this master plan and that perform over a includes entertaining unsolicited proposals under the state certain level of tax base return. authorized authority for local subdivisions. This process en- A coordinated policy should be reflected in both the fi- courages fairness and competition, while also allowing for • nance plan for the special district and the finance plan the private sector to bring forth creative approaches to utiliz- for the Lake Nasworthy Trust Fund. ing public assets for maximum public benefit while creating maximum potential private investment at the same time. Catalytic Projects Through a separate set of deliverables, the consultant team The following catalytic projects build on the character zone will provide guidance on this approach. structure described above. Some of these proposed proj- ects are purely public, while others included both a public Funding/Financing Strategy and private element. The Lake Nasworthy Trust Fund is growing and can provide long-term investment capacity in the core infrastructure The goal of the public projects such as the birding center is needs of the lake. As discussed herein, prioritizing those to encourage expanded tourism activity at a relatively low- investments will be critical in order to grow general tax base cost public investment. The purpose of the public-private around the lake. This growth in tax base will provide addi- projects is to encourage the use of under-performing assets
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 53 Harbor Village Illustrative Concept
that could be coordinated in order to create synergies such date a hotel/restaurant in combination with the marina, the as the privately owned marina next to Mary E Lee Park. economics of the operation of the entire destination could provide the ability for the marina operation to be underwrit- Mary E Lee Park ten successfully. The Harbor Village Character Zone that incorporates Mary Lee Park is a high profile location that has yet to catalyze This proposal would necessarily include the relocation of the enough activity to be commercially viable. By using entitle- Nature Center; but options for that effort have been provided ments and encouraging a critical mass of various use types in this master plan. This could result in a win-win for both to energize development, the Mary Lee Park area could be- the marina and a relocated Nature Center. come a year-round destination for both locals and tourists. Mixed Use Marina/Hotel The adjacent marina faces an uphill battle in terms of the The illustrative concept of Harbor Village in Figure 57 shows economics of a standalone marina. However, if a portion of how a mixed use marina/restaurant/hotel could be execut- the land at Mary Lee Park were made available to accommo- ed, along with complementary for-sale or for-rent mixed use
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Figure 58: Mary E Lee Ownership Map Showing Public and Private Parcel Use
residential across Knickerbocker on the private held parcels. • Retail/Entertainment flex space - 45,000 SF (one story) This illustrative concept also provides some protection for • New beach structure with concessions - 6,000 SF the small neighborhood on the other side of the beach by • For rent residential, condominiums or hotel across Knick- creating a buffer with a new drive and landscaping. In ad- erbocker Road - 50 rooms per floor, 4-5 floors dition, it includes a splash park to enhance the beach area. Sailing School as Activity Catalyst at Mary Lee Park In order to establish the basic framework for a public-private One potential use to further catalyze the area would be a approach, Figure 58 delineates the private and public par- sailing school in Mary E. Lee Park. This location would not cels that could be made available for purchase and ground conflict with boat ramp access and is at a respectful dis- leases, respectively. The dispositions of the public lands for tance from neighborhood homes. The water depths along ground lease could be facilitated through the unsolicited this shore are moderate and would allow easy docking of proposal process described above. boats. Adequate space would need to be allocated from the existing park for parking, access to the dock(s), space for The illustrative concept includes the following: on-land storage of a small number of sailboats, and a small • Hotel on the lake - 30 rooms per floor, 4-5 floors (120 to sailing school structure. Space should be provided for trail- 150 rooms total) er parking with opportunities for individuals, including those • Restaurants - 30,000 SF (one story) not enrolled in sailing classes, to bring their own sailboats, • Conference center - 30,000 SF (one story) sailboards, and other craft.
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 55 Sail boating need not be considered competitive with power activity catalyzed by development that relates to existing boating in terms of lake surface availability. The broadening activity can generate other viable commercial enterprises of lake recreational opportunity will allow more residents to that would be beneficial near the lake and bolster existing do more of what they enjoy, whether for simple recreation uses. The city’s role would be to help shape projects that or as sporting competition. While Nasworthy does not have are in keeping with the long-term vision for Lake Nasworthy. the large fetches of other lakes, it has a sufficiently naviga- ble surface and can accommodate small regattas and other Complete dismantling of the power plant will create an at- racing events, each of which can bring some numbers of tractive piece of property near Lake Nasworthy available for competitors and other visitors to San Angelo. redevelopment. This is a unique parcel in its proximity to water and the canal that bisects the site, as well as the This sailing activity would also provide visual, people-watch- frontage on Knickerbocker Road. After discussions with the ing interest for those staying at the hotel or eating at the new owner’s representatives, it is understood that the site waterfront restaurant. is envisioned to be a mixed use concept with a single family neighborhood, multifamily buildings, and a hotel served by Power Plant Site neighborhood retail and commercial. Recently purchased by a private investor, the decommis- sioned power plant site offers an opportunity for the com- Figure 59 provides a concept as to how the hotel, restau- munity to see activation of a previously dormant parcel. The rants, retail and housing could be incorporated with pocket
Power Plant Site Illustrative concept
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parks and public spaces on the power plant site; functional gelo’s heritage and leadership in Water Management and access to the canal for recreation; and access points for new Wind and Solar Power Generation. The Center is conceived roadway connections and trails through the area consistent as one that could draw large numbers of tourists and any with the proposed trail plan. Finally, the illustrative concept visitor with an interest in deeper understanding of water shows a location near the proposed hotel that could act as a as a critical resource and the ways in which West Texas is regional interpretive heritage center and restaurant. developing advanced and environmentally sound methods of energy generation. Water, now more critical than ever Currently the power plant site is zoned conventionally, re- in the city of San Angelo’s history, would be highlighted quiring a rezoning for a more mixed use, integrated context. on the one hand for its natural resource values, with the Zoning should be updated not only to allow more uses, but iconic Concho River Pearl as emblem and window opener also to create predictability across different ownerships as to the region’s important environmental systems. A water parcels are sold to different developers so that the final de- capture and management display could reveal the excit- velopment looks as if it had remained under the control of a ing and dramatic history of dam building and lake man- single master developer. This will allow for the fine-grained agement at the Nasworthy, Twin Buttes, and O.C. Fisher public spaces and walkable mixed-use that would comple- reservoirs. Energy generation is the second primary theme ment this location and its adjacency to Gun Club Hill. of the proposed center. While shale oil and gas are also significant energy themes the Heritage Center could also As this is a portion of the lake that has not been designed focus on Wind and Solar Power as the second theme be- for recreation access or community character, street and side Water. trail connectivity will be especially critical to making the de- velopment special and appropriate for its key location. This If developed at a high level of exhibitory, audio-visual pre- is especially true given the popularity of Gun Club Hill next sentation (including 3-D film), and explanatory mediums, door. Accordingly, a careful approach to planning, infrastruc- the Center would be in a position to draw large numbers of ture design, and zoning will be critical to achieving both ap- visitors from the tourism-traveling public as well as from propriate returns for the private owners, future developers, water supply and energy industrial companies, public util- and the public interest in this gateway property providing a ities, and educational and research institutions. Until the destination speaking and connecting to this new vision for concept is developed in further detail and elicits the inter- Lake Nasworthy. The bottom line is that this approach will est of a possible non-profit sponsor or a private-non-prof- allow a proactive vision for the site that would encourage it partnership, it will not be possible to project visitor place-based development with public benefit. numbers, hospitality sector income, and public sector tax revenue associated with such a center, but the possibility A potential option to help activate the power plant site is to exists and should be considered. elevate Knickerbocker Road so that boats may pass under the bridge and enter the canal which can act as a marina. The Center was originally conceived on the power plant Preliminary cost estimating done by the TXDOT San Angelo site, but that original concept (depicted in Figure 60) is not Division put the price for the bridge and road reconstruction appropriate given the development goals of the new inves- at approximately $2.7 million. This reconstruction, along tor in the power plant site. A more modest, yet integrat- with an updated boat ramp, would help to activate the east- ed center, is depicted in the mixed use illustrative plan in ern section of the lake and position the power plant site to Figure 59. Nevertheless, the original concept is still being act as a potential focal point of this activity, creating an op- provided in this master plan in case it is determined later portunity for mixed use development on the lake and private that this more robust center would be appropriate at the access from additional lake housing. power plant site or at another site near the lake.
Heritage Center as Activity Catalyst Gun Club Hill Adjacent to the Power Plant Site One potential example of a public benefit would be a Heri- Although this master plan does not provide an illustrative tage Center that would bring activity to the redevelopment concept for Gun Club Hill if it is developed, the connection parcel and act as a state-of-the-art exposition of San An- between the power plant site and Gun Club Hill must be care-
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 57 Heritage Center
ful planned and executed. The views from and attraction to Birding Center Gun Club Hill by walkers/hikers necessitate that any devel- The Natural Encounter Zone, as described earlier, is an area opment on the power plant site and Gun Club Hill be linked of the lake best kept in a natural state, although a more and aligned through a very carefully executed street and trail natural state does not mean there no opportunities for ac- plan as potentially laid out in Figure 55 depicting the trail plan tivity – albeit more passive activity. Besides the kayaking / for the area and in Figure 59 depicting the potential mixed canoeing, fishing and camping, there are other niche pas- use development on the power plant site. The infrastructure sive recreation opportunities that can incorporate a wide investments for those improvements should be incorporated spectrum of participants. See Figure 62 for a concept of the into any final planning and zoning for those sites so that both Birding Center. the private owners and the community benefit from any public investments in new streets, trails, and water access.
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Birding Center as Ecotourism Catalyst widths are probably narrower than the original condition, also Birding is an example of a popular passive recreation that is due to erosion. Today, most of the property is thinly covered renowned for the devotion of its enthusiasts. The Natural En- with dry land grass and shrub species, although some mes- counter area of the lake offers an opportunity to create a bird- quite and other trees are present. ing destination by retrofitting the former Fish Hatchery No. 2. The former hatchery could be adapted into a Birding-Ecotour- Project Opportunities and Benefits ism Destination with a Playa and Restored Native Prairie. The Other resources serve birdlife in San Angelo. San Angelo Hatchery is situated a short distance south of Nasworthy Dam State Park has prominent birding sites. Lake Nasworthy and to the east of Fish Hatchery Road and to the north of Country its fringe wetlands are well visited. O.C. Fisher and Twin Club Road. It consists of more than 20 abandoned and now Buttes reservoirs attract birdlife when water levels allow, ordinarily dry ponds and other former breeding units, with as do the reaches of the three branches of the Concho River. a total property area of approximately 40 acres. The ponds/ Nasworthy, however, is often busy with power boating, wa- units are divided by dikes with an average original crest width terskiing, and other lake activity that tend to deter aquatic of 8 to 10 feet. Original pond water depth extended between birds. Creating a playa a short distance from the Lake would two feet at the higher ends and six feet at lower pond ends. offer a desirable option to birds that prefer quieter surround- With erosion over time since the Hatchery’s closing in 1988, ings. The restored prairie around the perimeter of the playa, lower end depths are possibly no greater than three feet. Dike in serving field feeding species, would add to the nature-ob-
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 59 servation value and ecological dimensions of the tract overall. And it’s not just ducks. We’re talking about shorebirds, upland species, wading birds – the gamut.”2 The New Playa This can be a resource for waterfowl and other avian species at The Restored Native Prairie a level of quality that will appeal to a wide spectrum of birders, A native prairie restoration will be a source of food for ecotourists, university students and instructors, families, and grouse, pheasants, and geese, among other avian species schoolchildren. as well as for terrestrials. Water-conservation principles would be applied to prairie establishment in that seeding of The pond (playa), dug to a suitable depth (e.g., three feet aver- native grasses would be scheduled in August through early age over an area of about 3.5 acres in this conceptual proposal) October two or more days prior to a forecast rainfall, with and with sloped banks and other appropriate characteristics, repeat seedings later in the same season and in following would survive as playas typically do, namely on rainfall alone. years, without irrigation/sprayings following these events. Some storm water runoff would be collected by gravity flow by one or more drainages leading rainfall from the re-established Educational Value of Both Playa and Prairie perimeter prairie. One such drainage exists on the south edge In addition to serving wildlife, both the created playa and of the area proposed for the playa. Some natural seepage, if it the restored prairie will have high value to high school and exists from any water figure adjacent to the site, would also college programs, as well as for nature observation and help. The sole intervention would be for the pond/playa’s ini- scientific study, including the monitoring of progress on the tial establishment, which could be achieved with the supply emergence of both playa and prairie. While no discussion of about 8 to 9 acre-feet from Lake Nasworthy. Following this has been held with area institutions such as Angelo State pumping, the playa’s water sufficiency would depend on rain- University and San Angelo Nature Center, the attention of fall, as natural playas do. these and other nearby educational and research programs could be invited by the city. Their biology programs, re- With appropriate design and grading equipment, a pond can searchers, and graduate students could potentially be en- be carved appropriately out of the existing landform of the old gaged in monitoring the progress, establishment, and matu- Hatchery. In the example given here, its configuration would be ration of both playa and prairie. Results would be of interest about 600 feet long in an east-west alignment, this long fetch to students, faculty, researchers, and generally region-wide favored by diving ducks such as canvasback and teal, as well and nationally. as herons and others. The shoreline is shown in Figure 62 as indented, which will allow tree growth on the western edges Constraints of the coves to provide cooling afternoon shade to the near wa- The hatchery property is classified as a “lake” in the Nation- ters, which will in turn encourage fish to gather, which in turn al Wetlands Inventory. Any proposed change such as rec- will interest both feeding birds and human visitors. Six roofed ommended here would need to first receive approval by the bird observation structures are shown in Figure 62, each with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service following A-95 review. Given a varying view of the playa. A continuous trail links all. Inter- that the plan is to reinforce native vegetation and augment pretive signs would be designed to properly portray the playa’s bird and other wildlife habitat, our assumption is that chanc- aquatic, avian, and terrestrial wildlife. es for approval are good.
Playas, as dynamic habitats that rise, fall, and revive between Clay used to line the fish ponds should not constitute a barrier drought and rain, also support the robust growth of plants and to the growth of new vegetation if it is broken up and mixed so serve as attractive feeding grounds for birdlife. “Playa for- into the underlying soils by land grading equipment. Buried age.” according to David Haukos, national playa expert1 “is so utilities and equipment would be removed in advance. much better than anything else on the landscape that migrating birds will feed out the playa before they forage in the fields. The numerous dikes of the hatchery ponds need not be
2 David Haukos, PhD, Leader, Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit and advisor, Midland’s I-20 Playa Wildlife Preserve (The Rivers Studio, Master Planners)
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Birding Center Concept
re-graded to the point at which the new land surface is en- Trail Head Connections tirely smooth. This would be unnecessarily costly and would During the course of public input, it became apparent that not serve an essential purpose. A grading plan could ac- the archery club is a sizable and active user of the area commodate a general leveling of the dikes and provide for a around the lake. The club is constrained by a number of minimum number of new drainage swales. Some ponding of factors, but parking access to public bathrooms is a primary rainfall would not be adverse; it could provide for a seasonal concern. Due to the club’s relative proximity to the disc golf marsh or meadow condition and thus contribute additional course and existing/potential trails, an opportunity for col- diversity to the restored prairie habitat. laboration has become evident.
Role of the Hatchery Grounds in San Angelo and the Image 63 shows a concept that acts as a catalytic project, Central Flyway perhaps on a smaller scale than some other examples; none- Given the gradual disappearance of playas in Texas and oth- theless, it could have great impact serving the utility of the er areas of the six-state region, a critical decline that is be- archery club, the disc golf players and the adjacent park users. ginning to affect bird numbers along the West Branch of the The fluctuating nature of the surrounding uses does not ne- Central Flyway where San Angelo lies, the introduction of a cessitate separate parking lots when it makes sense to have new, albeit small, playa and associated restored native prai- shared parking that allows for space when it is needed. The rie at this location will be invaluable. The new playa, how- city could play an active role in the creation of these types of ever small, will be a positive measure in sustaining avian trailheads where there are opportunities to support existing life and the chain of resting/feeding water bodies essential activities and foster new ones around the lake. to fall and spring migrations, as well as in broadening eco- tourism and educational and scientific study opportunities. The aggressive but realizable vision of complementary de-
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 61 Potential Trailhead Illustrative Concept
velopment at the lake as a part of the new lake Master Plan ties around the lake. Accordingly, a different set of design delineated above will require significant changes to current and zoning standards should be crafted, respectively, for zoning policy, process, and regulations. As these needs are the power plant site area, the Mary Lee Park area, and the addressed, the following should be considered: other emerging traditional single family areas. • Zoning policy and updated zoning regulations should be • Zoning policy should create one central point of adminis- coordinated with the update to the Capital Improvement tration within the city for Lake Nasworthy, including sin- plan and any new project Plan for the proposed special gle family residential use on ground leases, single family district (e.g., TIRZ). fee owned, and new development. This will enable a more predictable outcome from the public’s perspective Regulatory Environmental Issues and more efficiency from government operations. • A one-size-fits-all for zoning regulations will not align with Resource Management the unique nature of the varying development opportuni- As mentioned above, lake maintenance is an inevitable concern
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that must be addressed. Dredging, which at some level will be must first show that steps have been taken to avoid im- necessary for resource management, is subject to extensive pacts to wetlands, streams, and other aquatic resources; federal and state regulatory oversight. Also, mentioned earlier, that potential impacts have been minimized; and that com- in 2002, the San Angelo completed a two-year dredging project pensation will be provided for all remaining unavoidable to remove 3.8 million cubic yards of sediment from the lake, impacts. This three-step assessment of duties is often re- increasing the lake’s capacity by about 2,500 acre-feet or some ferred to as the “wetland mitigation sequence.” 800 million gallons. The cost was approximately $10 million, funded with revenues from the 1999 Section 4B one-half cent An individual permit is required for potentially significant sales tax. Similar dredging actions are likely to be necessary to impacts and should be anticipated if any lake dredging maintain water depths and lake capacity in the future. or substantial fill is planned. Individual permits are re- viewed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates dredging prac- evaluates applications under a public interest review, as tices under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. In general, well as the environmental criteria set forth in the Sec- Section 404 requires that any municipality, person or busi- tion 404(b)(1) Guidelines, a set of regulations promulgat- ness that proposes to place fill in or dredge material from the ed by the EPA. However, for discharges that will have “waters of the United States” must first obtain a Section 404 only minimal adverse effects, an individual permit may dredge permit from the Corps. Lake Nasworthy falls within not be required; rather, a general permit may be suitable. the scope of “waters of the United States “as a body of water General permits are issued on a nationwide, regional, more than 10 acres in size including contiguous wetlands and or state basis for particular categories of activities. The any flowing stream. A Corps Section 404 permit will be re- general permit process eliminates individual review and quired before any dredging or filling activity can be conducted allows certain activities to proceed with little or no de- in the lake or adjacent streams/waterways. lay, provided that the general or specific conditions for the general permit are met. For example, marina basin Section 404 establishes a broad program to regulate the maintenance, short shoreline stabilization projects (less discharge of dredge or fill material into waters of the Unit- than 500 feet in length), minor road activities, utility line ed States, including wetlands. Activities regulated under backfill, and bedding are examples of activities that can this program include dredging, fill for development, water be considered under a general permit. Texas Commission resource projects (such as dams and levees), infrastructure on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will also have a role in development (such as roads, highways, bridges, and airports), the 404 permit decisions through the Section 404 water residential or commercial development, installation of docks, quality certification process. piers, shoreline stabilization structures, and even mining projects. Section 404 requires a permit before dredged or fill As with the city’s 2002 dredging project, any large-scale fu- material may be discharged into waters of the United States, ture dredging of Lake Nasworthy can be expected to require unless the activity is exempt from Section 404 regulation (e.g. an individual Section 404 permit from the Corps. However, certain farming and forestry activities). Some of the proposed depending on the design, scope, and scale of future dredging improvements contemplated in this report will involve either projects, the city may be able to extend and/or amend the dredging or filling the lake bottom, thus triggering the Corps’s Section 404 permit issued for the 2002-dredging project. De- section 404 jurisdiction. tailed technical feasibility and engineering studies of dredg- ing options should be considered before permits to authorize The basic premise of the Section 404 program is that no future dredging projects actions are sought. discharge of dredged or fill material may be permitted if a practicable alternative exists that is less damaging to Shoreline Erosion and Storm Water Management the aquatic environment or if the nation’s waters would In 2012, EPA updated the National Lakes Assessment be significantly degraded. To secure a permit, applicants (NLA) to help citizens and governments measure the
3 National Lakes Assessment: A Collaborative Survey of the Nation’s Lakes. EPA 841-R-09-001. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water and Office of Research and Development, Washington, D.C.
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 63 health of the nation’s lakes, take actions to prevent pol- ciples should be incorporated as specific infrastructure ele- lution, and evaluate the effectiveness of protection and ments are prioritized, designed and paid for through public restoration efforts.3 The NLA is designed to estimate the and public-private approaches as discussed above: percentage of lakes that are in good, fair, or poor con- dition. Essentially a scientific report card on America’s • TxDOT should be engaged proactively to enter into a lakes, the NLA examines ecological, water quality and Memorandum of Understanding for the cooperative recreational indicators and assesses how widespread redesign of Knickerbocker Road to realize the poten- key stressors (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and acidifi- tial of Mary Lee Park as a hotel-anchored mixed use cation) are across the country. destination. If deemed appropriate, the funding would be based on the ability of all parties – state, city and While Lake Nasworthy was not included in the original private – to secure a benefit from their respective public 2007 NLA survey or the 2012 update, two key findings of and private perspectives including safety improvements the 2012 report are relevant to future decisions regarding and tax base growth. Lake Nasworthy. First, 56% of the nation’s lakes are in good • A multi-stakeholder process should be engaged after the biological condition, with natural lakes generally in better adoption of this master plan to prioritize street improve- condition than man-made lakes. Almost half of the nation’s ments based on the prioritization of the proposed catalyt- lakes are in poor condition. Second, and more importantly, ic projects delineated in this master plan. Once that pri- of the stressors included in the NLA, poor lakeshore habitat oritization is undertaken, estimates of probable cost can was cited as the single greatest threat to the nation’s lakes be obtained to understand the investment implications. with more than one-third of the lakes exhibiting poor shore- • Further discussion will be required about key catalytic line habitat condition. Poor biological health is three times projects. However, until more detail for specific proj- more likely in lakes with poor lakeshore habitat.4 ects are developed, utility needs and implementation cannot be assessed with any level of certainty. Water Levels State and local water planners work together to assess de- Trails Funding mand and ensure adequate water supplies through regional Several potential federal funding or technical assistance water planning groups. San Angelo lies within the Region programs are available to help implement the proposed trail F Water Planning Region, which includes 32 west Texas network. For example, the section of tail that runs along a counties as well as Midland and Odessa. While surface wa- former rail line might utilize resources available on the Rails ter provides much of the municipal supplies in the region, to Trails Conservancy’s website (www.railstotrails.org). Other groundwater provides the majority of the water utilized, organizations include: drawn from four major and seven minor aquifers. The Twin Buttes/Lake Nasworthy complex is but one component of Recreational Trails Program (RTP) - Federal Highway an integrated regional water management system. Specific Administration recommendations or actions to sustain Lake Nasworthy wa- Since 1995, the Recreational Trails Program has helped con- ter levels are beyond the scope of this planning effort. Fu- struct more than 100 miles of trail. This program is managed ture efforts to evaluate and maintain Lake Nasworthy water by trail administrators in each state. The program funds projects that meet specific criteria such as the maintenance levels –in addition to other water resources in west Texas and restoration of existing trails, development or rehabilita- – are best addressed through and in coordination with the tion of trailside and trailhead facilities and linkages, acqui- Region F Water Planning Group. sition of necessary easements, associated administrative costs, and new trails and educational programs. At least Roadways and Utilities 30 percent of all RTP funds must be used for non-motorized This master plan suggests the need for substantial invest- trails. Private organizations are eligible for funds under the ments in roadway and utility capacity. The following prin- RTP, although this depends on the particular policies of each
4 National Shoreline Assessment Report (2007), Executive Summary, Key Findings, pages ix and x
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state. The trail administrators for Texas are:
Trey Cooksey, State Parks Trails Coordinator Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept 4200 Smith School Road Austin TX 78744-3291 512-389-8743; [email protected]
Andrew Goldbloom, Program Admin 512-389-8128; [email protected]
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) This 50/50 matching grant program is administered by state agencies in cooperation with the National Park Service. Program funds are intended for the acquisition and devel- opment of outdoor recreation areas; trails are one priority of this program. In particular, funds “target projects that would enhance urban parks and community green spaces,” with a focus on “developing blueways and public access to water resources and conserving large landscapes.”
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) RTCA is a technical assistance arm of the National Park Ser- vice dedicated to helping local groups and communities pre- serve and develop open space, trails, and greenways. RTCA is an important resource center for many trail builders in ur- ban, rural, and suburban areas. While RTCA does “not award monetary grants or loans,” the program “supplies a staff per- son with experience in community-based outdoor recreation and conservation to work with partners” on the ground.
This technical assistance could be especially helpful in plan- ning construction of the bridge across the Middle Concho, which is about 150 feet wide in the vicinity of the former rail line. An eight-foot wide pedestrian-bike bridge could be built, potentially using the piers that remain from the old rail bridge. This option would need direction by the city’s Parks and Rec- reation Department, an engineering study with hydrological and hydraulic study input, and community feedback.
As mentioned earlier, constructing a trail along the former trail line would also require that rights of access be obtained by the city or a nonprofit for the areas where the trail line crosses property not owned by the city, including two private landowners and the U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Reclamation.
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 65 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK. Appendix: Market Study
Comparable Lakes in West Texas The park participates in the “Angler Education Tackle Loaner O.C. Fisher Lake/San Angelo State Park Program.” Individuals can rent rods, reels, and tackle boxes Completed in 1952, OC Fisher Lake was constructed by the with hooks, sinkers, and bobbers. US Army Corps of Engineers for flood control on the North Concho River. Most of O.C. Fisher is leased to the Texas Parks Regular scheduled tours and requested tours for groups of & Wildlife Department. It is located at San Angelo State Park, 10 or more are available. Guests are taken to see ancient home to the official Texas State Longhorn Herd. The park is Permian animal tracks and Indian petroglyphs. Other tours open seven days a week throughout the year and has various include nature tours, hikes, bison/longhorn tours, equestrian daily entrance fees including: Adults for $4; Group-Adult for tours, historic and prehistoric tours, and stargazing parties. $2 each; children 12 years and under are free. Annual passes are also available and include: Texas State Park Pass for $70 Nearby attractions include Fort Concho, a restored historic per year or Texas Parklands Passport, free. fort; a historic shopping district on Concho Avenue; the Riv- erwalk; and the Cactus Hotel. Activities include camping, picnicking, hiking, mountain bik- ing, horseback riding, fishing, boating, a three-level orien- Twin Buttes Reservoir teering course, and bird and wildlife observation. The park Twin Buttes Reservoir is located about six miles south- has a hunting program with a State Park Annual Hunting west of San Angelo immediately upstream from the Permit, and special drawing hunts for deer and spring turkey. Nasworthy Reservoir. This lake has approximately 9,800 water surface acres, 3,219 land acres, and 55 miles of San Angelo State Park has 50 miles of developed multi-use shoreline. There are very limited recreational facilities and divided trails for hiking, mountain biking, and eques- around the reservoir. Camping is available but there are trian use. Visitors must provide their own horses. Eques- no developed campsites or hook-ups. Other activities in- trian camping is available in the North Concho Equestrian clude boating, fishing, and picnicking. camp area. Pens and pole tethers are provided at the water/ electric sites, and pole tethers are provided at the primitive O.H. Ivie Reservoir sites. Water is located in the camp area and other locales Located 55 miles east of San Angelo, O.H. Ivie Reservoir is throughout the park’s trail system. Equestrian events are found on the Colorado and Concho Rivers. It has three public held at the park throughout the year as well as rides offered recreation areas to camp, boat, fish, and picnic; Concho Recre- through Rafter M Bar Trail Rides. ation Area, Padgitt Recreation Area, and Kennedy Recreation
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 67 Area which are open year long. To enter any of these parks rental at $30 per night, cabin and lodge rentals ranging from there is a $5 entrance fee per vehicle per day; an annual ve- $65 to $290 nightly, group dining hall rental for $80 per day, hicle pass can be purchased for $60 or $10 for senior citizens. and group recreation hall with kitchen for $250 per day.
Concho Recreation Area and Kennedy Recreation area both Cabins and lodges offer numerous amenities that may in- offer numerous amenities including restrooms, large park- clude a fireplace, picnic figures, outdoor grill, living areas ing areas, cleaning stations, courtesy docks, concrete boat with couches, water, electricity, microwave, stove with ramps, weigh stations, picnic areas, and camping. They also oven, chairs, bathroom sink, toilet, and shower, A/C unit, have available live bait and boat gas for purchase. central air, heat, refrigerator with freezer, coffee maker, ceil- ing fan, beds, and an outdoor patio. Padgitt Recreation Area does not offer as much recreational activity but does have restrooms, parking, courtesy docks, Hords Creek Lake concrete boat ramps, picnic areas, and camping. Located in Coleman, Texas, Hords Creek Lake is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth District. Lake Brownwood/Lake Brownwood State Park It offers fishing, camping, boating, restricted hunting, along Lake Brownwood, located within Lake Brownwood State with supplying water to Coleman County and providing flood Park, is open every day year-round. Children 12 and under control in West Texas. are free to enter the park, while adults incur a $4 entrance fee. A Texas State Parks pass is available for $70 that allows The Lake has three parks which offer numerous amenities. guests to join members for unlimited visits. Busy season for Lakeside Park is located on the north side and has a variety of all facilities is during the summer, and cabins and lodges developed camping sites including six sites with screen shel- stay busy on weekends and holidays. ters. Provided within the park are restrooms, drinking water, sewage dump sites, boat ramps, fishing piers, fish cleaning The park has numerous recreational activities including hik- stations, and a nature trail. Flat Rock Park, located on the ing, camping, picnicking, water skiing, jet skiing, boating, south side, has more than 55 developed campsites. Ameni- fishing, swimming, bird watching, and nature study. ties among them include electric, sewage, restrooms, single and double occupancy services as well as sewage dump sites, There is a 2.5 mile hiking trail, along with a .5 mile nature boat ramps, fishing piers, and fish cleaning stations. trail. Motor boats and jet skis are allowed. The park does offer ranger programs that include a variety of educational Developed campsites cost between $16 and $44 per night. opportunities, events, and tours. Other fees include: camp- Both sites have group shelters/camping available with max- site fees ranging from $12 to $25 per night, screened shelter imum occupancy between 50 and 200 and fees ranging from
68 Appendix: Market Study
$40 to $260. All enclosed shelters have kitchens with ame- ming area, restrooms, showers, and a second park office. nities that may include restrooms, electric range tops, sinks, Group shelters at the three parks cost $90 through $190 and counters, ceiling fans, and fireplaces. Outdoor amenities boat ramp access is $4. may include a volleyball court, covered patio, figures, park- ing lots, restrooms with showers, grills, and playgrounds. Lastly, High Point Park is only open to overnight camping with The third park, Friendship Park, is for day-use picnickers a special permit. There is walk-in access for shoreline fishing only. In addition to the beach there are shaded benches and and parking as well as 10 to 15 miles of developed equestrian numerous day-use facilities available for guests. and hiking trails. This park is open for day use only.
Along the lake there are four beaches designated for swim- Two wildlife management areas (WMAs), Sabanna River ming only. Two are located at Lakeside Park, one at Flat WMA and Upper Leon River WMA, are available for hunting Rock Park, and one at Friendship Park. with a permit during hunting season.
Proctor Lake Lake EV Spence Operated and owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Proc- Drought conditions have made public boat ramps unavail- tor Lake consists of numerous amenities including boating, fish- able at Lake EV Spence near Robert Lee. Also, the fish pop- ing, camping, hiking, equestrian trails, swimming, and hunting. ulation has been severely damaged by chronic golden alga blooms. A required day pass is $5 per vehicle. Four of the The lake has an 18-hole golf course and four federal parks of areas are open and may contain restrooms, cleaning sta- 250 acres each. Two parks, Copperas Creek and Sowell Creek tions, live bait, parking, courtesy docks, weigh stations, pic- Park, are open year-round and each has more than 60 camp- nic areas, and camping, although many amenities may not sites with amenities that include electricity, water, and sewer be available due to drought conditions. hookups. Cost per night ranges from $16 to $50. Both parks offer boat ramps, dump stations, group shelters, parking, and Natural Dam Salt Lake restrooms with showers. Copperas Creek also offers an amphi- This lake is usually dry but has a capacity of 28,000 acre- theater and houses one park office. feet. The reservoir is used for flood control when needed.
The third park, Promontory Park, is open during the warm Lake JB Thomas season from April 1through September 30. Promontory J.B. Thomas Reservoir, located in Canyon, Texas, was built includes a range of camping facilities, including screened in 1952 and was one of the first lakes in West Texas. It can shelters, priced from $16 to $38 per night. Amenities in- be accessed with a day pass entrance fee of $5 per vehicle clude boat ramps, dump stations, group shelters, a swim- which covers all persons in the vehicle. Annual passes are
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 69 available for $60 or $10 for senior citizens. Open all year electric pontoon cruisers that offer hour-long scenic and bat long, this reservoir area has five parks which include parking watching tours from March through October. The tours cost and a marina with boat ramps for public use, pavilions, fire $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $7 for children under 12. pits, restrooms, fishing, picnic areas, and live bait. Two of The third boat of the fleet is the Lone Star, a double-decked, the nearby state parks also offer camping. paddle-wheel riverboat. The 75x16-foot boat is the nation’s largest all electric powered paddle wheeler. With a capacity Lake Colorado City/ Lake Colorado City State Park of 150 people, the Lone Star is used for a variety of private Lake Colorado City State Park is open year-round Thursday events and parties. A two-hour charter is $18 per person for through Monday with an adult entrance fee at $4 per day, a groups of 30 to 80 people and $16 per person for parties of group adult fee at $2 per day, and children 12 and under free. 81 to 150. A third hour can be added for an additional $200 The busy season for this park is Easter weekend through La- and catering can be included for an additional cost. bor Day. Lake Colorado City State Park features 500 acres of natural habitat and more than five miles of shoreline which Austin Party Cruises provide numerous activities for swimmers, skiers, jet-skiers, Austin Party Cruises consists of three upscale pontoon campers, hikers, boaters, fishers, and nature lovers. cruisers that host year-round charter cruises for birthdays, weddings, receptions, dinners, graduations, company par- Amenities included are restrooms and showers, dump sta- ties, casino parties, and sightseeing tours to name a few. tions, picnic areas, a designated swimming area, parking, a The excursions take place on Lake Austin and pass by some boat ramp, fishing piers, and playgrounds. There are more of Austin’s most popular sights and landmarks such as Mt. than 110 campsites with water and some with electricity Bonnell, the Loop 360 arch bridge, the Austin Country Club, that range from $15 to $22 per night as well as cabins for and the Westlake estates. The three boats hold up to 70 $55 per night, a group recreation hall with kitchen for $200 people inside and out on the deck with the Celebration hav- daily, and a group picnic pavilion for $40 daily. Kayaks with ing seating for up to 65 inside, the Jubilee 40 inside, and paddles and life vests are available for rent at the park. the Festival 25 inside. Pricing varies based on the size of the group, the length of the cruise, catering and beverage Texas Boat Tours/Attractions options, and seasonable considerations.
Lonestar Riverboat Tours: Sunshine Machine Boat Tours Located on Lake Lady Bird in Austin, Texas, this fami- Also located on Lake Austin at the Ski Shore Marina, the ly-owned operation consists of three boats used for public Sunshine Machine is a pontoon cruiser that offers private sightseeing tours and privately chartered events. The Little charters for up to 30 people. The boat can be chartered for Star, capacity 34, and the Southern Star, capacity 60, are one to six hours for office parties, swimming parties, wed-
70 Appendix: Market Study
dings, team building events, wildlife watching, and much Vanishing River Cruises by Canyon of the Eagles more. An hour-long charter costs $150 an hour for up to 10 Vanishing River Cruises offer a variety of ecological cruises people with an additional $5 a person per hour for each through Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River. Native Tex- guest over 10. Catering is also available for any charter at as wildlife, waterfalls, bird watching, and bald eagle sight- an additional cost.. ings are just a few of the sights offered. Tours are given on
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 71 the Texas Eagle II, a double-decked boat with a capacity of Colonel Paddlewheel Boat Cruises 120 passengers. Cruises range from two hours for scenic The Colonel Paddlewheel Boat is an 800-passenger authen- and history cruises to four hours for the eagle watch cruises. tic replica of a 19th Century style paddle wheeler. The boat The two-hour tours cost $20 for adults, $17.50 for seniors offers hour-long tours of the Offatts Bayou year-round at the and $12 for children. The eagle watching tours cost $42.45 cost of $11 for adults and $9 for seniors and children. The for adults and $37.19 for children. Food can be added for an boat gives dinner cruises on the second Saturday of every additional fee. Private charters are also available for a vari- month. For $65 per person, diners are treated to a dinner ety of occasions including weddings, dinners, anniversaries, buffet, nonstop dancing, and a cash bar. The boat also fea- and corporate events. tures two large party rooms with a dance floor and bar that can be rented out during the regularly scheduled tours. Glass Bottom Boat Tours Located at the Aquarena Center at Texas State University Capt Kidd Charters in San Marcos, the glass bottom boat tours have been in Sailing on Galveston Bay, Capt Kidd is a 19th Century repli- operation since 1946. The Center hosts more than 125,000 ca, 55-foot topsail schooner that can carry a maximum of 28 visitors annually and teaches about river resources, aquatic passengers. Two-hour public tours are offered year-round life, and the ecosystem of Spring Lake and the San Marcos at $25 per person for daytime sails and $30 for evening River. The five glass boats in operation are a large part of sails. Special event tours are also offered, such as a 4th of these lessons, allowing visitors to view the inhabitants in July Firework cruise for $50. Capt Kidd Charters also has a their natural habitat. Thirty-minute tours are offered year- 44-foot yacht named the Flying Pearl available for private round and cost $9 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and $6 for charters. Maximum number of passengers is six and a two- children 15 and under. hour charter costs $295. Additional time can be added at an hourly rate of $125 an hour. Dolphin Baywatch Tours Located in historic Galveston Harbor, this family owned and Tranquil Sails & Service operated business offers dolphin watching tours and private Tranquility is a 35-foot yacht that offers private charters charters year-round. The Baywatch 1 and the Baywatch Too, for up to six people on Grapevine Lake. Cruises offered are both dolphin safe jet drive boats (no propeller) with a include romantic cruises, sunset cruises, wedding cruis- capacity of 38 passengers. Hour-long tours run year-round es, day cruises, and a variety of special events. Two-hour and cost $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. charters cost $60 per person. The boats are also available for private charter at the cost of $350 per 45 minutes. Catering can be included for an ad- Whooping Crane Boat Tours ditional cost. The Warf Cat is an 84-passenger boat that offers Whooping Crane tours through the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Galveston Historical Foundation Harbor Tours from November through April. Local naturalists narrate the Docking at the Texas Seaport Museum in Galveston Harbor, boat tours, teaching about the whooping cranes and other the Seagull II is a 50-foot twin-engine motor vessel built native wildlife. Tours depart for the wildlife refuge from two specifically for harbor sightseeing tours and education. In different locations, Port Aransas on Tuesdays and Rockport addition to touring the historic Galveston Harbor, tours take Harbor on Wednesdays through Sundays. The Port Aransas passengers out into Galveston Bay where dolphins and a tours take 90 minutes while the Rockport Harbor tours take 45 variety of birds can be seen and explored. Hour long public minutes. Prices for all tours are $50 for adults, $48 for seniors tours cost $10 for adults and $8 for students 18 and under. In and $25 for children. addition to public tours the historical foundation also offers a variety of field trip options including ones on harbor histo- Dolphin Encounters ry, environmental science, ornithology, and marine biology. Sailing in the surrounding bays and channels of Port Aran- Costs of these tours range from $8 to $16 a student. Private sas, Kohootz is a 36-foot catamaran with an upper and low- charters are also available for reservation through the Gal- er deck. With seating for up to 26 passengers, the Kohootz veston Historical Foundation. offers year-round, 90-minute tours of the Intercoastal Key
72 Appendix: Market Study
Islands of Port Aransas. The tour includes feature dolphin he Southern Empress is an authentic replica of a 1800s era sighting, native and migratory birds, the Lydia Ann Light- sternwheeler riverboat. The Southern Empress, 131 feet house, and narrated historical accounts throughout. These long, 40 feet wide, consists of three decks. The main deck tours cost $25 for adults, $16 for children 4 through 12, and serves as the ships primary dining room, casino, or wedding $8 for children three and under. The boat may also be char- hall. The second deck is the ship’s entertainment center with tered for a variety of private group theme cruises. a dance floor, bandstand, and bar. The third deck is a split- level open deck used for observing the lake, the surrounding Rio San Antonio Cruises River Tour: nature, and sunsets. The boat offers a variety of three-hour Located on the San Antonio River along the River Walk, the cocktail, lunch, and dinner cruises year-round. A lunch cruise Rio Cruises take visitors along the river through downtown costs $40 for adults, $30 for children and $35 for seniors. San Antonio. Open year-round, these 35-minute cruises which Wedding and corporate event cruises are also available. depart every 15 minutes, cost $8.25 for adults, $2 for children under five, and $6 for Bexar County residents and seniors. A tour guide narrates the tour for up to 40 passengers about the ■■■ various locations located along the Riverwalk. In addition to the public tours, the Rio boats also offer a river taxi service that stops at 39 locations along the river walk. Private dinner cruises, cocktail cruises, and chartered tours are available to book at the cost of $100 to $500 depending on the package.
Historical Brazos River Tours The Brazos Belle is a paddle-wheeled replica of, Hiawatha, an 1880s vessel that was operated by Captain Travis Smith for the Colombia Transportation Company. The boat, operat- ed out of Belle’s landing since 2011, has a maximum capac- ity of 49 passengers and offers various historical tours on the Brazos River. The 90-minute tour goes up and down the river with a stopover in historic East Columbia where build- ings from the 1800s are explored. Tours cost $25 a person and run year-round. Longer trips to explore the 28-mile river, special events for bird watchers and conservationists, and weddings can be arranged for an additional cost.
Buffalo Bayou Boat Tours Located on the Buffalo Bayou, the Spirit of the Bayou is a 21-person pontoon tour boat that travels through the heart of downtown Houston. The 30-minute scenic and twilight tours take passengers past various historical and famous sites throughout the city. These tours are offered year-round and cost $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Twice a month from June to October, 45-minute bat-sighting tours are offered at the cost of $35 for adults and $25 for children. Ninety-minute private charters are also available year-round at $300 to $420.
Southern Empress Cruises Docked out of the Sunset Harbor Resort on Lake Conroe,
Lake Nasworthy Master Plan and Implementation Strategy | San Angelo, Texas | November 2013 73
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